Another week has passed with no budget finalized in Albany, and the delay is affecting schools across the state. The budget, now 17 days overdue, leaves schools uncertain about the funding they will receive as they prepare for budget votes in May. Schools need to finalize their own budgets by April 22, but the lack of information from Albany forces them to make decisions without a clear understanding of resources.
Assembly Member Maher emphasized the impact this delay is having on schools, stating, “Another week has gone by in Albany without a budget, and it is now 17 days late. Schools across the state are finalizing their budgets for the upcoming May budget vote–most of which are due by April 22–without knowing what state funding they’ll receive, threatening vital programs.”
Maher also expressed a strong commitment to advocating for more substantial reimbursement of Universal Pre-Kindergarten Programs (U-PK), noting, “I will continue to advocate for a larger reimbursement of Universal Pre Kindergarten Programs (U-PK) as we work through finalizing the budget and prioritize affordability, childcare and our schools, which are the foundation of our communities.”
Resolving the budget issues swiftly is crucial to mitigating the adverse effects on planning and funding for educational programs critical to communities.
