Katz Lobbies For School Funding

Councilwoman Melinda Katz and her colleagues recently joined parents in Albany to demand that Governor Pataki and state officials fulfill their legal obligation to fully and fairly fund the education of New York City school children. Elected officials, civic leaders, teachers, parents and students stood together on the capitol steps to send a message to the State that they want the money for education they rightfully deserve. The crowd gathered in solidarity and promised that they will not let another generation of students be deprived of the education they deserve and need. “Our children deserve the best possible education we can provide,” said Katz. “Failure to fund the NYC education system by refusing to comply with the Campaign For Fiscal Equity will have devastating effects on our school children. In my district alone we are facing 119 million dollars in education cuts. As a result of the proposed cuts, new schools will not be built to address over-crowding, renovations, educational enhancements and much needed repairs. The state should immediately release the available funds so that we can prepare our children to be the future of our great city.”