Earlier today, as state budget negotiations continue between the Governor and the legislature, the Senate and Assembly passed a fourth state budget extender. This latest extender funds state government operations and obligations through Monday, April 20th.
No announcements – official or unofficial – about agreements on any notable outstanding state budget issues have been made. However, public-facing disagreements and frustrations between lawmakers suggest that negotiations have been intensifying in recent days.
Educational Conference Board Late Budget Memo
This week, the Educational Conference Board (ECB), of which NYSSBA is a member, sent a memo to the Governor and legislature detailing the challenges and negative impacts associated with a continued late state budget. The memo makes clear that while school budget votes are in mid-May, school boards must approve proposed budgets by late April. We stressed that there are “fundamental problems posed by uncertain and untimely state revenue information that is necessary” for districts to meet their “legally mandated budget deadlines, which can lead to unnecessarily adverse decisions on district programs and spending levels.” You can read that memo here.
Grassroots Advocacy Opportunity
Until the state budget is finalized, there is still time for you to advocate for your schools and your students! Through our Take Action email campaign, you can send these budget priorities directly to the Governor and your state legislators. The letter is customizable, enabling you to reflect the needs of your specific district or BOCES. And please feel welcome to share this opportunity with your broader school community.