  |
|
|
| Budget strengthens SUNY, CUNY NYSUT praises education budget as strong response to school needs March 29, 2006 ALBANY, N.Y. March 29, 2006 – New York State United Teachers today applauded legislative leaders for crafting a strong state education budget that responds to the needs of higher education and public schools, particularly those in New York City and other high-need districts. "The state aid package agreed to last night is a big step toward meeting the needs of public schools and satisfying the court order in the Campaign for Fiscal Equity case regarding school facilities. Money allocated for school construction will help New York City and many high-need school districts upstate build new classrooms and renovate and repair aging buildings," said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi. "It's not everything that public schools need — or everything that the Court of Appeals ordered — but we're heading in the right direction now. We couldn’t say that a week ago." Iannuzzi credited legislative leaders for recognizing that using public money to fund the personal choices of parents who choose religious or private schools for their children is bad policy. "Lawmakers heard the message: Public money — tax money — should be used for public education, and NYSUT very much appreciates their grasp of the implications of this issue," Iannuzzi said. NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan B. Lubin heaped praise on the Legislature for what he called "the best higher education budget in a long, long time. "Funding increases to the State University and City University will allow both systems to hire more full-time faculty and improve access to courses for students," Lubin said. "A strong SUNY and CUNY are essential if New York is to provide an affordable, accessible college education to students. Higher education is what ultimately will fuel upstate’s economic resurgence." Lubin added that $1.1 billion in additional state aid would allow many districts to retain academic programs and staff needed to help students meet Regents requirements. Funding increases for teacher centers and the Albert Shanker National Board Certification Grant Program will help improve teacher quality. NYSUT, the largest union in New York State, represents more than 525,000 classroom teachers and other school employees; academic and professional faculty at the state's community colleges, State University of New York and City University of New York; and other education and health professionals. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. |
CONTACT: NYSUT Media Relations and Communications. (518) 213-6000, Ext. 6313. E-Mail: mediarel@nysutmail.org. |
|
| |