“EdTrust-New York welcomes the Assembly and Senate one-house budget bills and appreciates that both include support for several key educational equity priorities. These proposals invest in initiatives included in the Governor’s Executive Budget, such as universal child care, evidence-based math instruction, professional learning for math and reading educators, high-impact tutoring in math and reading, emergency aid for SUNY and CUNY students, and expanded financial aid through broader eligibility for the state’s Tuition Assistance Program. 

We also support the Assembly and Senate proposals to provide more targeted Foundation Aid funding for students who face the greatest barriers to opportunity, including students experiencing homelessness, students in foster care, and English Language Learners/Multilingual Learners. In addition, the Senate budget supports implementation of new graduation measure changes, provides staffing for the new state Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia, funds P-TECH programs, and invests in the child care workforce through the Child Care Worker Retention Grant Program. 

At the same time, EdTrust-New York is disappointed that neither one-house budget supports key literacy priorities such as universal screening, evidence-based curriculum, and additional professional learning. The proposals also do not include funding for coaches to strengthen math instruction in high-need elementary schools or funding to support universal FAFSA implementation. 

EdTrust-New York looks forward to working with the Governor and Legislature to ensure these and other educational equity priorities are included in the final enacted budget.” 

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About EdTrust-New York:    

EdTrust-New York is dedicated to eliminating equity and opportunity gaps that hinder students from reaching their full potential. We focus on ensuring that all students, especially Black, Latinx, Native American, and Asian American and Pacific Islander students and those from low-income backgrounds achieve high levels of success from early childhood through college. For more information, visit EdTrustNY.org.