East Hudson Valley News

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) has been consistent in sharing his concerns about the governor’s Executive Budget proposal, as it was hinting at the reduction of Foundation Aid for some school districts. Calling for the governor to stop short-changing New York’s students, Slater along with members of the Republican Conference have protected school aid.

Initially, Gov. Hochul called for the elimination of the “hold harmless” provision, which guaranteed, at minimum, schools would receive the same amount of Foundation Aid as the previous year. If passed, this will lead to $168 million being cut from 50% of schools across New York.

After getting push back from lawmakers in Albany and constituents all throughout New York, Hochul’s Executive Budget proposal to end “hold harmless” won't be felt in this year’s budget.

"This budget process has been a disaster for public schools across the Hudson Valley and New York state. Once again Gov. Hochul failed to properly collaborate with stakeholders on an issue as important as investing in our kids’ future. This fight is not over and we will remain laser focused on giving every child in New York the opportunity to succeed," said Slater.

Slater was appointed to the budget conference committee on education by Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) to assist in the Joint Budget Conference, committed to bettering New York’s education system and allocating the needed funding to vital programs.

“As we continue budget negotiations, I am happy to see the Governor is listening to the voices of legislators, parents, and educators who are speaking with one message. We will continue fighting in the final days of budget negotiations to ensure that our schools are fully funded, our students and taxpayers deserve nothing less,” said Minority ranker on the education committee Assemblyman Doug Smith (R,C-Holbrook).