Three Long Island Senators Call for Aid Increase to Schools

New York State , R- Mineola, along with senators Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., R-Merrick and Lee Zeldin, R-Shirley, are calling for an increase in Long Island’s share of state education aid.

In a joint statement issued Friday, the senators are asking for a full 4 percent in education aid rather than what was offered by in his recently announced executive budget.

“The executive budget proposal shortchanges Long Island’s students.  The budget proposal did not raise taxes, and that’s exactly the right approach because people cannot afford to pay more.  Now it must help provide additional tax relief to residents who pay some of the nation’s highest property taxes by giving Long Island schools their fair share,” Senator Fuschillo said in a statement.

“Long Island taxpayers are tired of settling for so much less than we pay for,” Sen. Martins said in a statement. “Our communities are not only some of the highest taxed in the state but the country as well. Yet so much of that tax money never makes its way back to our schools and our children. It's simply not fair and we can't look the other way when it comes to our kids. Long Island can't keep investing in New York State if New York keeps shortchanging our children.”

Senators Fuschillo, Martins, and Zeldin say they are pledging to continue fighting for Long Island’s fair share of state education aid, as well as mandate relief for school districts, during the legislative budget review process.

"Long Island property taxpayers should receive the best possible return on their investment. I am hopeful that the budget being negotiated between the Governor and Legislature provides Long Islanders with an equitable share of school aid compared with the rest of New York State. As the representative for a Senate District with multiple low wealth, high needs school districts, I believe it should be of particular concern that all Long Island school children receive the best possible education at the most efficient cost possible. For the future of our region, it’s imperative that this budget provides equity to my constituents’ property tax bills and school children. I trust that our Governor and Legislature will continue working well together in a bi-partisan manner in the best interests of all New Yorkers, including all of Long Island," said Senator Zeldin.