April 1, 2020

As state budget negotiations continue past the April 1 deadline, some portions of the school funding package and other education components are starting to become clear. NYSSBA Governmental Relations staff has been reviewing budget bills that have been released and are waiting for final bills to be printed. Here is what we see now:

• $96 million increase in traditional school aid over 2019-20
• Foundation Aid for every district in 2020-21 will equal 2019-20 amounts
• A $1.128 billion reduction in overall state aid, referred to as a "Pandemic Adjustment"
• This reduction is fully restored for each district by an equal amount of "Federal Cares Restoration" funding
• Rejection of the Executive's proposal to consolidate 10 categorical aids, including BOCES Aid
• Rejection of the proposed increase to the Community Schools set-aside, leaving the total at $250 million
• An effective repeal of the employee paid time off for voting provision that was enacted in 2019
• Enactment of net neutrality principles for all internet service providers in the state

2020-21 -School Aid Runs

Additional budget details are expected to be included in some budget bills that are yet to be released. NYSSBA Governmental Relations staff will continue to review language and share updates as they become available. Be well!

NYSSBA's Governmental Relations team will continue to report on these and other issues.  For more information, visit our Key Issues Page and be sure to keep up with NYSSBA on Facebook and Twitter.