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CFE asks court to impose sanctions January 20, 2005 Just days before the governor was slated to release his proposed budget, Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawyers asked a judge to turn up the heat to force the state to dramatically increase school aid. In oral arguments as New York Teacher went to press, CFE counsel Michael Rebell asked state Supreme Court Justice Leland DeGrasse to adopt a court-appointed panel's conclusion that New York City schools need an additional $5.6 billion in operating aid and $9.2 billion for facilities. CFE also asked that the state be held in contempt of court and fined almost $4.2 million for each day that it continues to defy the state Court of Appeals mandate. CFE attorneys suggested the daily fine would take effect 90 days after DeGrasse issues his order to give the state one last chance. Meanwhile, in testimony that sent shock waves through the courtroom, New York City Corporation Counsel Michel Cardozo told DeGrasse the city should not have to share the additional costs of ensuring students receive a sound, basic education. Randi Weingarten, president of the United Federation of Teachers representing New York City school staffers, told Newsday she "couldn't believe her ears" and called the city's position "pragmatically untenable" and "morally bankrupt." |
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