On Wednesday, the state’s largest teachers’ union filed a lawsuit against Governor Andrew Cuomo and the state Division of the Budget.
What You Need To Know
- The Legislature granted new powers to the Division of the Budget to withhold previously allocated funding if state revenues dropped to a certain point
- Because of the COVID recession, the Budget Division has withheld money from local governments and school districts, with the understanding that if another stimulus bill is passed, the funding will be released
- School districts across the state have seen about $100 million dollars less in state aid over the past two months than they had expected
- NYSUT sued the governor and the State Division of the Budget over separation of powers
New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) argues that the state has been withholding money from school districts – which it has. A total of about $100 million so far.
In April, the legislature handed the power to do this to the Division of the Budget. Nevertheless, NYSUT says the cuts are unconstitutional and prevent students from the sound, basic education they are mandated to receive.
NYSUT President Andy Pallotta joined Capital Tonight host Susan Arbetter with more.
