In a rare display of unity, Democrats and Republicans in the New York State Legislature are joining forces to challenge Governor Kathy Hochul's ambitious school funding overhaul. The proposal, aimed at revising the state's foundation aid formula, has ignited a bipartisan storm of opposition, with critics asserting that the changes could have severe consequences for schools statewide.
One of the critical components of Hochul's plan is the elimination of the "hold harmless" provision, which guarantees that no school district receives less money than in the previous year. This move has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Senate Democrats, who estimate that schools will lose over $400 million in aid under the proposed changes. Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins expressed deep concerns, stating that almost half of the school districts in the state would receive less funding than anticipated, thereby having a "massive impact" on education.
Senate Education Chair Shelly Mayer, flanked by representatives from the teachers union, school boards association, and the PTA, among others, asserted that such cuts cannot proceed. Mayer confidently declared that Senate Democrats, holding the majority, would stand united in rejecting the governor's proposed reductions.
Surprisingly, even Republicans, the minority party in both houses, staunchly oppose the cuts. GOP Senator Jim Tedisco, a former high school teacher, emphasized the continued need for special mental health and other services post-pandemic. He argued that Hochul's changes were more akin to cuts than right-sizing, citing the ongoing recovery efforts in schools.
Governor Hochul, however, defended her proposal, characterizing it as a necessary "right-sizing" rather than outright cuts. She pointed out that some districts would receive increased funding under her plan. However, concerns persist, particularly for districts like Mount Vernon, which are already grappling with financial challenges.
Despite the bipartisan pushback, Hochul's proposed budget would still see a 2.4% increase in Foundation Aid disbursements, amounting to $507 million. The largest teachers union in the state, New York State United Teachers, led by President Melinda Person, has vehemently opposed the cuts since their announcement labeled the adjustments as "arbitrary" and aimed at saving money despite an overall funding increase.
The battle over school funding in New York has become a rare bipartisan battleground as lawmakers from both sides unite against the proposed changes.