New York City Mayor Adams announced on April 19 that he will restore over $500 million to the education budget that had been previously cut, with a focus on reinstating funding for early childhood education.
Adams made the announcement at P.S. 34 in the East Village of Manhattan. He stated that due to an expected increase in tax revenue, the budget gap left after the exhaustion of federal stimulus funds could be filled, leading to the cancellation of planned cuts to 15 Department of Education recurring budget items, totaling $5.14 billion.
Currently negotiating the budget for the new fiscal year with the City Council, early childhood education funding is a key point of discussion. The focus of this budget restoration includes $92 million to expand free education for 3-year-olds to kindergarten (3-K) and $56 million for special education in pre-K, covering over 1,000 children on waiting lists. Additionally, funding for mental health services, vocational readiness, and literacy programs in public schools has been reinstated.
In addition to restoring $5.14 billion in recurring project education budget, Adams also announced an allocation of $5 million to increase enrollment rates in 3-K and pre-K programs, $25 million for pre-K students with special needs, and $8 million to enhance the MyCity portal for easier application for childcare subsidies.
Adams’ decision to restore education funding appears to be a response to increasing political pressure from parents and the City Council. However, Rebecca Bailin, Executive Director of New Yorkers United for Child Care, stated that while Adams took a step in the right direction, he has still not provided sufficient funding for the investments and infrastructure needed for 3-K and pre-K programs.
Responsibility Editor: Zheng Hua