Statement By Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos
March 5, 2010
(New York,N.Y.)-The news today that New York is one of 16 finalists for federal education funds from the Race To The Top program is no guarantee that the state will actually be selected to receive any of funding in this round or in future rounds.
Therefore, we should raise the cap on charter schools as part of the state budget. This would remove a major obstacle, send the right message to the federal government and help New York’s chances for federal funds that could afford us an opportunity for real property tax relief.
Six weeks ago, Senate Republicans supported the Governor’s Race To The Top proposal, as well as legislation sponsored by Senator Martin Golden, that would have raised the cap and taken other actions to maximize the state’s opportunity for federal funds of up to $700 million.
Unfortunately, Democrats in the Senate and Assembly chose to do nothing, and with March Madness upon us, New York’s chances of advancing beyond the sweet sixteen surely would have been strengthened had they chosen to act.
As we begin negotiations on a budget that is due in less than a month, we must pursue every opportunity for resources that will enable us to cut spending and not raise taxes. Race to the top funds can help us in this effort. Longer term, we need to create new jobs and strengthen our economy, which is why the budget should also include the job creation and economic development plan advanced by Senate Republicans last month.
Posted by News LI Editor · Filed Under Politics
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