Assemblyman William Colton (D – Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, and Dyker Heights) spoke at the CEC 20 school board meeting in February regarding the education budget. He is a member of the Ways and Means Committee and has been advocating for education for many years.

“The good news is that Congress will be voting on the Stimulus Package next week which will include $50 billion in emergency funds for New York State. From that money, $10 billion dollars will be allocated to use for education and that is good news. We must make sure that these monies will be spent wisely,” Colton stated.

“There is also bad news. The bad news is that New York State owes under CFE $4.5 billion. Under the current State Budget, the foundation aid for education is flat as last year. I strongly believe that as soon as the State receives an emergency stimulus package, the Governor will make the right decision and will repay the $4.5 billion toward CFE. That money can be used to reduce class size, recommending and initiating enrichment programs like remedial, gifted and talented, special education, and bilingual needs of the children. I’m alerting all parents that the expected federal billions are an opportunity to start demanding needed aid so that the opportunity will not be lost,” Colton added.