Budget is still not final – join our week of action. We’ve now seen too many budget extentions, with leaders once again pushing past the deadline instead of reaching a final agreement. Nothing is locked in yet, which means this is still a moment where speaking up can shape what ends up in the final budget. Over the next week, we’re doing something a little different. Each day we’ll focus on one issue and share a simple way to take action. Jump in on the days that work for you, and feel free to take action more than once while things are still being negotiated. Week of Action Monday: CHILD CARE Nearly 20,000 children remain on waitlists while programs struggle to stay open and the workforce is paid poverty wages. Call on state leaders to push for funding that clears waitlists and invests in the child care workforce. Take action> Tuesday: FOUNDATION AID Schools are facing rising costs while serving more English language learners, more students in foster care, and more students in temporary housing. Contact state leaders and call for updates to Foundation Aid that reflect these realities. Keep the pressure up > Wednesday: SOLUTIONS NOT SUSPENSIONS Black students and students with disabilities face disproportionate suspensions that push them out of the classroom. Sign up to join us in Albany for Solutions Not Suspensions Advocacy Day on May 11. Register to get on a bus with us > Thursday: MAYORAL CONTROL Mayoral control of New York City’s public schools is once again being tied to the state budget instead of going through a public process that includes community voices. Send a message to state leaders calling for a shorter extension and a community led process. Speak up here > Friday: "BUFFER ZONE" BILLS Proposals to create buffer zones around houses of worship would expand police authority and limit where people can gather and speak out. Join our letter campaign to oppose these bills. Sign on > Saturday: TAX THE RICH New Yorkers are calling for taxes on the ultra-wealthy and most highly profitable corporations so we can fund child care and strong public schools. Send a message to the Governor urging her to agree to a budget that raises revenue this way, and call on the Senate and Assembly to hold the line on their proposals. Say it louder! > Share this with your friends, bring it into your group chats, talk about it with people around you, and take these actions together. Nothing is guaranteed until the bills are printed. State leaders need to hear from us now! In solidarity, Marina Marcou-O'Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari Co-Executive Directors, Alliance for Quality Education AQENY.org   Facebook   Instagram    Bluesky Donate

Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Alliance for Quality Education, please click here.