NEW YORK — In response to the Hochul Administration’s fiscal year 2025 budget, Arlen Benjamin-Gomez, executive director of The EdTrust–New York, issued the following statement:
“The Enacted Budget marks a crucial milestone with New York’s first investment in literacy instruction aligned to the science of reading, alongside the introduction of a Universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion policy. These measures, aimed at fostering student success and accessibility, reflect a commitment to addressing historic disparities in education.
EdTrust-New York applauds the additional investments in K-12 school aid and the expansion of the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), which will empower schools and students of color, from low-income backgrounds, and first-generation college hopefuls, to pursue higher education. We urge the legislature in the remaining session to pass S.5616/A894, which would allow students in high school to use TAP funds to take college courses and earn postsecondary credit.
The prioritization of early literacy, evidenced by the $10 million investment in professional learning for educators and support for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library are important first steps to aligning New York with the 45 other states that have already enacted legislation supporting evidence-based reading instruction. Yet, more investment is needed to ensure all educators Pre-K to 5th grade are equipped to provide instruction aligned to the science of reading. Continued collaboration to advance early literacy initiatives is needed, including the passage of key legislation such as the Right to Read Act.
Ed Trust-New York acknowledges the administration’s efforts to support infants, toddlers, and families with young children by investing in early education initiatives such as: child care subsidy increases for programs providing care during nontraditional hours or to children experiencing homelessness; prenatal paid leave; and continuous Medicaid coverage for children under age six. However, the budget falls critically short of the investments needed to provide high-quality child care to all New Yorkers who need it. The lack of compensation increases for the child care workforce will continue to fuel shortages and maintain a child care workforce that is grossly underpaid. The limitations in the child tax credit to exclude the lowest income New Yorkers, leaves those who need the credits the most behind yet again.
EdTrust-New York looks forward to continued progress on these education equity priorities as we move forward with the implementation of this year’s budget and the remainder of the legislative session.”
For media inquiries, please contact Elizabeth Chmurak at [email protected].
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About The EdTrust-New York:
EdTrust-New York works to eliminate the gaps in equity and opportunity achievement that hold back too many students from reaching their full potential, especially those who are from low-income backgrounds or students of color, in order to enable all students in New York State to achieve at high levels — from early childhood through college. Learn more at EdTrustNY.org.