| Copyright 2015 linkinglewiscounty.com all rights reserved privacy policy here |
| Sen. Griffo: New State Budget Provides Record Investment in Public Schools, Higher Education 04/02/18 04:00pm |

| Lewis County's 24/7 Home for News, Sports, Weather, Events & More |
Sen. Griffo: New State Budget provides record investment in public schools, higher education
Budget Boosts Programs To Help New Yorkers Afford The Cost Of A Higher Education State Sen. Joseph Griffo, (R-Rome), today said the 2018-2019 State Budget boosts public education aid by nearly $1 billion, and makes higher education more affordable for state residents. The new budget provides a total of $26.6 billion in education funding, which represents a $914 million, or 3.6 percent increase over the previous year, and a 36 percent increase since 2012. This year’s budget includes a $618 million increase in Foundation Aid funding, which now totals $17.8 billion. This year, the budget boosts aid to struggling school districts by $50 million, so high-needs school districts with a large number of English Language Learners (ELLs) and students at risk can provide after-school care and other programs to supplement traditional classroom instruction. In addition, it includes funding for Teacher Centers. The 2018-2019 budget also includes $7.6 billion for higher education, including an expansion of the Excelsior Scholarship Program to make SUNY schools tuition-free for all state residents earning under $110,000 annually; expands eligibility for Enhanced Tuition Awards; and boosts aid to private colleges known as Bundy Aid. “Children in our state have the unlimited potential to succeed, but only if they are given the opportunity,” Sen. Griffo said. “To help turn that potential into reality, we have delivered a $1 billion increase in education funding in this year’s budget. This funding is a major increase over the Governor’s original budget proposal and will provide crucial support to the important programs and vital services that provide every child with new possibilities and opportunities. Overall, the new budget will include more than $26 billion in education funding, which is the highest level in state history.” Note: State aid runs for school districts can be viewed here and are alphabetized by county. We included Lewis County below. |
