Governor Cuomo released his proposed budget on January 17th. It includes changes to school aid formulas; elimination of teacher center funding; extends the “Millionaire’s Tax”; addresses special ed mandate relief; increases Pre-K funding; increases TAP Funding; includes the Dream Act; expands the Buy America Program; once again proposes changes to IRMAA for NYSHIP Retirees. These are some of the items included in the proposed budget.
NYSUT Executive VP Andy Pallotta has said the union is encouraged and eager to help the legislature and the governor work out the details toward the final fiscal plan. NYSUT’s Statement about the budget is: “We are a stronger state when we invest more in public education, health care and the middle class. That’s why we support many proposals in the executive budget, which build on State of the State themes we’ve applauded. We are encouraged by the governor’s focus on resources for public education. As always, details matter, and we look forward to working with the governor and Legislature on a final state budget that invests more strongly in our public schools, colleges, and health care institutions.”
NYSUT's Preliminary Analysis of the Governor's 2017-18 Proposed Executive Budget
(click to read)