Let’s remember that we created the Foundation Budget 25 years ago precisely because of the stunning achievement and opportunity gaps we had. Those gaps have not narrowed in the quarter century since. Yet, the House bill abandons the Commission’s recommendations that would target these gaps, opting for yet another study. We have studied this issue rigorously – and we’ve already had the answers for 3 years. Those answers were additionally approved unanimously by the Education Committee and by 100% of the Senate, including all of the members of the Republican Party. How long should poor children have to wait while we continue “studying,” rather than simply giving them the resources they need to learn?
- State Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz, Second Suffolk District