To ensure a bright and prosperous future for all New Yorkers, there is no more important investment than in the education of our children. As a result of this generous investment, our children are benefitting from improved school facilities, additional textbooks and more computers in the classroom.
Few states can match New York's funding for education.
Money alone, however, cannot produce educational excellence. This two year increase is more than double the projected inflation rate for this period. Governor Pataki's 1999-2000 Budget recommends a number of important changes in the allocation of school aid to provide school districts with additional funding flexibility to meet locally identified needs. Under the Governor's 1999-2000 school aid proposal, all school districts will receive an operating aid increase of at least 1.25 percent, with increases up to 3 percent provided to districts with enrollment growth. The Governor's Budget provides a record level of State support for school facilities to ensure healthy, safe learning environments for our children.