While praising Gov. Spitzer's continued commitment to children and public schools, union leaders are urging state legislators to keep their promise to schools and restore education funding.

In testimony to the joint legislative budget committees, NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin said, "While we understand the tough fiscal times the state is experiencing, keeping the promise to our school children is the right direction for our state."

Under last year's historic multi-year commitment, schools were to receive a $1.25 billion increase this year in Foundation Formula aid; the governor has proposed an increase of $899 million and decreased the maximum increase districts may receive.

"It is essential in our efforts to close the achievement gap that we keep the multi-year commitment made to our children, particularly those in poverty," Lubin said.

Randi Weingarten, president of the United Federation of Teachers, agreed. "Promises are really made for times like these," she said. "And we have to keep our promise now, even though it's hard."

Lubin questioned a proposal to shift preschool special education costs to districts and budget language that could threaten $200 million for class-size reduction and pre-K in New York City. He urged the Legislature to closely examine the impact that a saturation of charter schools is having on Albany and Buffalo.