A key part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $233 billion budget proposal is drawing fierce opposition from a powerful force in Albany that, until now, had considered her something of a hero.
It’s the public education sector, which includes school boards, superintendents and the state teacher’s union, among other entities. The consortium served as a key ally during Hochul’s first two years in office and her successful 2022 election campaign, thanks in large part to the Democratic governor backing a big boost in state school aid over the last few years.
But now, those same public education advocates are pushing back hard against Hochul’s newly unveiled budget proposal, which would result in hundreds of school districts across New York getting less state money in the upcoming fiscal year by changing the complicated school funding formula.
“To say we are profoundly disappointed is an understatement,” said Melinda Person, president of the New York State United Teachers union.
Education spending makes up a huge chunk of the state funds in New York’s budget — about 27% — and Hochul’s proposals are not set in stone. Deciding how much money to put toward local schools has traditionally been one of the biggest annual battles between the governor and the Legislature, who negotiate a new budget every year.
But things aren’t off to a promising start this year. Hochul’s education plan could play a prominent role in a looming election in which suburban New York voters may decide the House’s balance of power.
An increase? Or a cut?
In classic Albany fashion, Hochul and the education sector can’t agree on the most fundamental of points: whether or not the governor’s budget proposal is increasing — or cutting — school aid.
Hochul says it’s an increase — and on an overall, year-to-year basis, she’s right.
The governor wants to spend $35.3 billion on education aid for the coming fiscal year, $825 million more than the current year. That includes $13.4 billion for…
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