Foley wants guv to scale back proposed school cuts

As the school year nears its end with no state budget agreement in sight, Sen. Brian X. Foley called on fellow lawmakers to scale back the governor's proposed reductions in school aid.

"Cuts will no doubt be incurred . . . but there needs to be a sizable restoration in this area of the budget," Foley (D-Blue Point) said after a news conference Sunday in Brentwood with education advocates and union leaders.

Foley did not say how much money should be restored from the $1.1 billion in cuts proposed by Gov. David A. Paterson, nor where the money would come from. His urging came as Albany Democratic leaders continue largely closed-door negotiations on the state budget, which was due April 1.

In March, Foley voted with the Senate's Democratic majority on a budget bill that upheld Paterson's cuts. An Assembly budget bill from March would restore about $600 million.

Foley said Sunday that he had not shifted his position, because he had said on the senate floor when the budget bill passed that it was just a starting point for negotiations. He said he hoped some cuts could be restored despite the state's $9.2 billion deficit.

"It's my belief that we'll see some real movement this week on the budget," Foley said.

Richard Iannuzzi, president of the New York State United Teachers union, noted that weeks have passed since the Senate budget bill vote.

"I think we have a handful of senators around the state who are willing to say that they have waited long enough and they want to see restoration of a substantial part of the cuts," said Iannuzzi, a former Central Islip elementary teacher.

Foley appears to be the first Senate Democrat to do so. Sen. Craig Johnson (D-Port Washington) said in a statement that senators were focusing on closing the budget gap, adding "we have to see what's realistic."

Senate majority spokesman Austin Shafran would not comment on whether Foley's comments represented a break with Senate leadership.

"We need to cut more to close down the budget and there are critical service areas where we would like to enhance protections or some restorations," Shafran said. "We are continuing talks on both property tax and education restoration."