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NY officials seek $6.4B for schools from Obama stimulus

BY JAMES T. MADORE | james.madore@newsday.com

January 13, 2009

ALBANY - Public schools would receive about $6.4 billion for teacher salaries and other operational expenses over the next two years if state officials are successful in lobbying the federal leaders assembling an economic stimulus package.

Gov. David A. Paterson and Sen. Charles Schumer said yesterday that they are pushing for federal aid for education beyond construction projects. They hope to forestall teacher layoffs, suspension of academic programs and substantial increases in school property taxes.

Schumer was optimistic that $80 billion in block grants for schools over the next two years will be included in the final stimulus package agreed to by President-elect Barack Obama and Congress. Schumer said New York's share would be distributed based on the same formula used for state aid to schools.

The stimulus package is expected to total $775 billion and include tax cuts and money for transportation projects.

"There's a strong likelihood [block grants to schools] will be included in the package," Schumer said. "Every dime given should be targeted to New York kids and the teachers who care for and educate them."

Paterson added the federal money would be welcome because he's proposed a $698-million reduction in state aid to education next year. He noted the block grants are in addition to federal funds being sought for school construction.

Late last month, the governor wrote to Obama about $966 million worth of school building projects "ready to go" if federal funds become available. He also joined with five colleagues in proposing a $1-trillion stimulus plan.

Paterson added yesterday that the amount of federal aid could lessen the need for billions of dollars in proposed tax increases. "The tax hikes were the last part of the budget. If there was some way to make some adjustments that would be my preference," he told reporters.

Teachers and school administrators praised efforts to help schools pay bills, saying property taxes will be directly impacted.

Jim Kaden of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association said, "The more money we get from the state and federal governments, the better chance there won't be increases in property taxes."