White Plains CitizeNetReporter - New School Aid from Alb Not Expected to Reach WP; DISABLED Cut Could Be Saved

WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS.By John F. Bailey. March 21, 2013: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a budget agreement with the legislature yesterday with a round of ballyhoo promising tax rebates to citizens, increased business aid and education aid. Fred Seiler, Assistant Superintendent for Business for the White Plains School District, told WPCNR , he is waiting to hear details about the additional $1 billion in aid promised in the Governor's message. He is not optimistic that this will mean substantial increase in White Plains aid, since it is Seiler's understanding the aid would go to more "high taxed districts," and unwealthy districts. White Plains is considered a wealthy district, Seiler said downplaying the possibility of enough new school aid to reduce the present budget being proposed, a $192.5 Million all time record budget, calling for a 3.1% school tax increase and a 2.2 % increase in the levy. Seiler also said the Cuomo-legislature agreement to smooth out pension responsibilities, saving teacher and employee pension costs worried Seiler, who said, "you either pay now, or pay later." The Governor's letter to New Yorkers on the budget did not state the fate of the governor's proposed 6% cut to the Office for Persons With Developmental Disabilities. White Plains- District 93 Assemblyman David Buchwald's Communications Director told WPCNR this morning, there is still a possibility the cut may be softened in this statement: "I got your message, thanks for reaching out. Regarding OPWDD, that part of the budget bills has not yet been finalized -- work is still being done on how to intergrate new federal money into services for the disabled." The Governor's Office issued this statement to New Yorkers this morning: Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders have announced an agreement on the budget for 2013-2014 that closes a $1.3 billion deficit, creates jobs, and cuts taxes for middle class families and small businesses. This agreement puts the state on track to pass an on-time or early budget for the third year in a row – this hasn’t happened in almost 30 years. Over the last two years, New York State has created more than 300,000 new private sector jobs with 17 consecutive months of job growth. This year’s budget continues to focus on growing our economy, including cutting taxes significantly for small businesses and middle class families. The budget launches several other critical job-creating initiatives:

Initial funding for 10 high-tech Innovation Hot Spots across the state to incubate businesses
Workforce training program to link our SUNY and CUNY community colleges with employers
A third round of the Regional Economic Development Councils

The budget also includes landmark reforms to give our students a top-quality education, including:

Full-day pre-k programs, especially for higher need school districts
Extended learning time for students
Community schools that integrate social, health and other services
Increased standards for teacher certification and rewards for high-performing teachers

And finally, this budget raises the minimum wage to $9 over the next three years because $7.25 an hour is unfair, unlivable and unsustainable. This year’s budget proves once again that by working together, government can deliver results for the people of New York and continue the work of growing our economy and creating jobs. New York is rising and coming back stronger than ever before. Sincerely, The Office of the Governor


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