Commissioner Elia: State Budget a Step Forward

New York State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia today said that, on initial review, the state budget is a win for New York’s students and that important investments are being made in education.

“The Gap Elimination is gone, there’s a significant increase in Foundation Aid, and there’s more support for higher education opportunity programs, and increased support for our community colleges,” Elia said.  “While the Regents’ state aid proposal would have gone farther, we’re grateful to the Governor and both houses of the Legislature for the work they did to support education. 

“I’m particularly grateful for the significant investment to improve outcomes for boys and young men of color and expand community schools.  Since I took office last summer, I’ve been travelling the state, and I’ve seen firsthand the opportunities these programs can provide for students and their families.

“There are many important issues that will require action before the end of session and we look forward to partnering with the Governor, Legislature, parents and educators to continue to improve education in our schools.”