With the April 1 state budget deadline come and gone, lawmakers were still negotiating details on a $124 billion state spending plan as New York Teacher went to press.

While specifics of the plan are still forthcoming, lawmakers have agreed to increase K-12 education spending by nearly $1.8 billion.

"Gov. David Paterson, Assembly Speaker Silver and Senate Majority Leader Bruno are to be commended for crafting a spending plan that keeps the promise of last year’s historic commitment to education," said NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi. "These leaders worked together in some difficult times to make some difficult choices."

Lawmakers added $400 million more to education than was proposed in former Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s executive budget proposal in January. Under the new plan, all districts would receive an increase of at least 3 percent. Total education spending would be more than $21 billion.

Higher ed concerns

Funding the State and City University systems is a particular concern for NYSUT and lawmakers.

Reports indicated part of the holdup in Albany is figuring out a higher ed budget plan.

With the executive budget and Gov. Paterson proposing 5.85 percent cuts in operating aid, higher education is facing serious reductions — SUNY ($80 million), CUNY ($40 million) and community colleges ($20.4 million).

NYSUT is working on restorations as part of the package of new taxes and fees being negotiated.

"While we are much closer to having a state budget in place, there is still plenty of work to be done," NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin said. "We will be working right up until the last minute to make sure lawmakers approve a budget that keeps New York moving in the right direction."

— Clarisse Butler Banks