Governor Kathy Hochul, joined by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Randi Weingarten, cautioned on Sunday about the risks of federal cuts to New York’s $5.5 billion in annual education funding. The state budget relies on $3.2 billion of that amount, with $2.3 billion supporting local schools.
Hochul explained that reduced funding could force localities to raise taxes and jeopardize essential programs, including Pell Grants for college students, services for children with disabilities, and school meal programs. She emphasized that the cuts would undermine workforce development by limiting access to quality education.
Calling for action, Hochul urged New York’s Republican congressional members to defend the funding, saying, “If you can’t speak up for them, then get out of your job.”
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