91社区

鈥淕overnor Cuomo鈥檚 State of the State address contains a number of policy proposals that will help New York鈥檚 students in important ways, including focusing resources on at-risk students and schools with the greatest needs. Prioritizing these schools and students will bring greater equity and aligns with the legislative and policy initiatives advanced by the Board of Regents.听

鈥淭he Governor鈥檚 support for the federal DACA program, our immigrant students and passage of the Dream Act affirms the value these individuals have in our society. We also strongly support the Governor鈥檚 proposals to educate the whole child, a key priority for the Regents, including to ensure New York鈥檚 students have access to healthy meals at school so they can focus on learning in the classroom. Children should never be distracted from their studies because they鈥檙e too hungry to concentrate.

鈥淭he Governor also proposed initiatives to support our youngest children, including expanding opportunities for prekindergarten in high-need school districts and implementing the recommendations of the First 1,000 Days on Medicaid working group so all children start life with the services and supports they need to excel as they grow.

鈥淲e laud the Governor鈥檚 support to expand Speaker Heastie鈥檚 My Brother鈥檚 Keeper program, which will help deliver on the Regents鈥� goal of fostering equity throughout the education system.

鈥淭he Governor鈥檚 proposal to expand funding for computer science initiatives will help ensure students have every opportunity to pursue STEM career options in these rapidly growing fields. We are similarly pleased the Governor recognizes the value of the Early College High School Program, expanding students鈥� access to Advanced Placement courses and exams, lifting up the teaching profession and enhancing student mental health supports.

鈥淲e look forward to the Governor鈥檚 State Aid and budget proposals, which we hope will include a level of education funding sufficient to meet the needs of every student throughout our State, particularly those in schools with the greatest needs.鈥澨�