Letter to the Editor: Education can be the great equalizer

As a retired public school teacher who taught for over three decades, I know first-hand that education can be the great equalizer in our society. But that’s only possible when our school districts receive adequate funding. When we equip our teachers with the resources that they need to inspire the best version of our students, we lay a strong foundation in the classroom that pays dividends for our young people and their future. Unfortunately, our New York State Senator, Rob Rolison, fails to understand the importance of a strong education. That’s why he voted against millions of dollars worth of funding for our teachers and students in the NYS budget, which included full funding for Foundation Aid, free school meals, and increased money for SUNY and CUNY. In a blow to our working families and their kids, he also voted against expanding universal pre-K–a program that would keep parents afloat and give children the strong headstart they deserve.

I’m disappointed that our new Senator stands with extremist Republicans over the interests of our children and teachers in the Hudson Valley. As we gear up for the 2024 election, I’ll be watching his record on education and other key issues that impact our region, and you should be, too. The stakes are too high for our children and families to look the other way.