Lawmakers in the state Senate on Monday urged lawmakers on the federal level to find a funding solution for New York's schools, as the state withholds 20 percent in funding amid the recession created by the coronavirus pandemic. 

The state announced earlier this month it would withhold 20 percent of its funding share to school districts as the latest COVID stimulus package is negotiated in Congress, but action is yet to be taken. 

Meanwhile, schools are starting their academic year, with some districts offering in-person instruction, others going remote-learning only, and many districts offering a hybrid approach. 

Reopening schools is a potentially costly venture for the local districts, which are providing personal protective equipment and have submitted plans for scouring commonly used surfaces. 

At the same time, local governments have lost revenue from sales taxes that have virtually vanished overnight, leading to concerns property taxes will have to increase to balance budgets. 

“The state needs federal funding to protect our students from devastating cuts to education," said Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Shelley Mayer.

"The coronavirus pandemic had already been such a big blow on students’ lives, exposing many of them to trauma and isolation. We cannot expect students to absorb anymore of the devastating impact of the pandemic. It is shameful that politics in Washington is getting in the way of delivering for public schools. I hope that they are able to rise above the fray and do what is right for students.”

Mayer's office released the letter to the state's congressional delegation that included the backing of Sen. John Liu, the Queens Democrat who leads the New York City Education Committee, and 35 members of the state Senate. One of the chief concerns: The districts that will lose out on state funding are the ones that most heavily rely on it, typically poorer areas of the state that do not have as broad a tax base as richer communities. 

“We are deeply troubled about further erosion of education programs and services for all children particularly in districts heavily reliant on the state for school funding. These are high need districts educating students living in poverty and communities without the resources to provide additional support," the letter stated.

"These districts will not be able to absorb state aid reductions without reductions in programs, services and staff."

For now, it's not clear if the impasse in Washington over the final stimulus measure can be bridged. Direct aid to states whose finances have been hammered by the pandemic remains a key sticking point in the negotiations.