Dear Friend,
I am writing to share with you that in the early hours of this morning, after more than 9 hours of debating, my colleagues and I in the Assembly passed the 2015-2016 New York State budget.
From investing in or schools, ensuring fairness and justice within our criminal justice system, and protecting affordable housing, this year’s budget makes sure that the priorities important to New York’s families are put first. The Assembly Majority stood up for the programs that make a difference in people’s lives and secured needed investments that will make New York a stronger place to live, work and do business.
Included below is a breakdown of some of the important aspects of the budget:
Investing in our schools
When it comes to our schools, students have to be our top priority. We must be doing everything we can to ensure they are getting the quality education they deserve. By securing critical increases in funding to ensure our schools have the resources they need, this budget puts students first.
I am proud to say that this year's budget secures a $1.6 billion increase in education aid over last year, for a total of $23 billion.
The funding is tailored to support the schools that need it most, with 68.5 percent going to high-need districts, 25.7 percent going to average-need districts and 5.8 percent going to low-need districts.
We also increased pre-k funding to protect last year's investment in universal pre-k in New York City.
Strengthening NY’s criminal justice system
Ensuring fairness and justice within our criminal justice system is essential to keeping our communities safe.
Just a few weeks ago the Assembly held a public hearing on the need for criminal justice reform and plans further hearings with community leaders, law enforcement officials, legal experts and other stakeholders to ensure that these important issues are discussed in an open and transparent forum and to develop meaningful reforms.
In addition, I held my own forum on criminal justice reform during the Somos el Futuro conference in Albany. I plan on scheduling additional hearings in the next few months so that my colleagues and I can work to bring about real criminal justice reform in New York.
Expanding access to affordable housing
Housing is a basic necessity, something many of us take for granted. But unfortunately, too many families are struggling to find safe, affordable homes. This year’s budget invests in our communities and expands affordable housing options.
This year’s budget provides $415.6 million for housing and community development programs, allotting $225 million for repair and rehabilitation programs, including $100 million for New York City Housing Authority capital repairs and $25 million for Mitchell-Lama repairs and revitalization.
I hope this brief overview provides a better idea of the 2015-2016 budget. If you have any questions or concerns about the budget and what is included please do not hesitate to call my office at 718-931-2620.
Your Assemblyman,
Luis R. Sepúlveda
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