New York State Insider: New York State Senator Pete Harckham: Promises Kept: Record School Aid in FY2024 State Budget.

 

This year we did it! We fully funded school Foundation Aid, leveling the playing field for underfunded districts and benefiting a number of communities here in Senate District 40. That’s right. I recently held a press conference, along with Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, Ossining Schools Superintendent Dr. Raymond Sanchez and Peekskill Schools Superintendent Dr. David Mauricio, to share details of the historic FY2024 state budget investments in public education.

In the 40th Senate District, the 18 school districts received $541 million of school aid in the FY2024 State Budget—an increase of $86.1 million in funding. These districts, on average, saw an 18.92% increase in funding. Foundation Aid for these districts: $358.1 million in Foundation Aid, an increase of $75.9 million or 27%. All this is about ensuring our schools are funded properly and getting students back on track after three years of pandemic schooling. It means giving educators and administrators the resources to meet the challenges ahead. When I was elected to the State Senate, my promise to residents of the 40th Senate District was to make strong and equitable funding for our schools a top priority. Thank you! Sincerely, Pete