NY law makers push back on Governor’s school budget proposal
CAPTIAL REGION, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Lawmakers have another week to vote on the proposed foundation aid changes as part of the budget process. NEWS10 took the school district’s concerns to those who will make that decision and spoke with the lawmakers representing those school districts to learn their next move.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul questions the nearly two-decades-old school foundation aid formula and is proposing a new way that some lawmakers say does not add up. “She changed the formula, the equation, which resulted in a loss of foundation aid,” said Assembly Member Matthew Simpson, 114 District.
“This proposal, which I think is designed to save money and not really to be a fair distribution of education aid,” said Assembly Member Phil Steck, 110 District.
But the governor sees it differently. “Has anything changed since 2008? Has there been any population shifts? Has there been any loss of students in classes? Has there been a spike in students in other areas? Have the demographics changed? Have the economics changed?”
The assembly and the senate rejected the proposal but are open to negotiations and a study, including how changing the formula could affect smaller districts. “How about some equity for the rural Upstate Suburban schools? That is all we're really asking,” said Assembly Member Scott Bendett, 107 District.
And the lawmakers propose an approach to funding of their own. “I am in support of making it fair foundation aid,” said Bendett.
“The assembly one house reinstates that Foundation Aid and also earmarks a million dollars towards setting the Foundation Aid to come up with a more equitable solution,” added Simpson.
There will be negotiations between the senate, the assembly, and the governor to determine how this can be addressed,” finished Steck.
Even members of the Senate believe there is a better answer. “There are bi-partisan solutions. It is something we need to address and will address in this budget,” said Senator Jacob Ashby.
Lawmakers have until April 1st to vote on a state budget.