The on time State budget adopted by the Legislature last month reaffirms our bedrock commitment to education by continuing to invest in children and their education. Since 1995, we have increased school aid by over 65 percent, which is more than double the rate of inflation.

The school districts in this state will receive an increase of more than $848 million in state aid that will enable them to provide a world class education, while providing localities with the resources they need to keep property taxes under control for homeowners and businesses. The budget provides a total of more than $16.2 billion for school aid. New York invests more in education on a per pupil
basis than any other State in the nation.

The new State budget provides funds for important education programs and services including $679 million for flexible school operating aid, a $75 million increase for special education programs, $38 million more for BOCES and $50 million more for building aid. The budget also provides for school transportation and full day kindergarten programs, and includes more than $4.4 million in operating aid for public libraries.

In addition, the budget continues the STAR program that provides more than $3 billion in school property tax relief.

Through funds invested for Teacher Training and Resource Centers and the Mentor Intern Program, teachers will be given top quality training and skills to ensure that our children are receiving the highest quality education.

No other state invests more in their schools, their children and their future, than the State of New York. The time to prepare for our future is now. The expectations are set high for New York students and we will continue to work towards enabling our schools to meet our high standards.

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