WGXC-90.7 FM
Hochul's proposed budget would cut some funds to most Greene County schools
Andrea Macko in Porcupine Soup breaks down how Gov. Kathy Hochul's new budget proposal would effect schools in Greene County. They would see state funding drop by more than $2.8 million next year. Of the six districts in Greene County, only Greenville is in line for an increase in money. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed $233 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 calls for a 2.4 percent increase overall in school aid, with $35.3 billion in all. But New York State Council of School Superintendents Executive Director Charles Dedrick said, “The proposal would reduce by over $400 million the Foundation Aid level called for by the formula now in law," which would reduce funding to most Greene County schools. Cairo-Durham would see a 7.26 percent decrease, Catskill would see a 6.96 percent decrease, Coxsackie-Athens would see a 0.29 percent decrease, Hunter-Tannersville would see a 26.37 percent decrease, and Windham-Ashland-Jewett would see a 20.03 percent decrease. Assemblyperson Chris Tague, a Republican from Schoharie who represents Greene County in the legislature, said, “Gov. Hochul’s prioritization of housing migrants over our children's education is a perfect example of the dysfunction her administration continues to bring to New York.” Other conservatives support the governor. Empire Center President and CEO Tim Hoefer said, “Governor Hochul is telling it like it is... New York’s school aid and Medicaid spending are out of line with national norms and raising income taxes again isn’t the answer.” Read more about this story in Porcupine Soup.