NYSUT President Melinda Person released the following statement about the 2026-27 enacted state budget:
"New Yorkers made their voices heard, and this budget proves what’s possible when educators, public school allies and communities stand together and fight for what students and working families deserve.
From important fixes to Tier 6 that strengthen retirement dignity for public workers, to investments in public education — Pre-K through post-grad — this budget reflects a commitment to supporting the people who make our communities work every day.
We are especially proud of our members and New York's labor movement; we secured the biggest pension reform victory since Tier 6 was enacted in 2012 — including reducing the retirement age for most teachers and teaching assistants by five years, lower contribution rates for members and, for SUNY and CUNY Optional Retirement Program members, an additional 1 percent state contribution to their accounts. We are not done fighting, but we are pleased to see historic progress being made toward a fairer future for all public workers."
This budget also doubles down on the promise of public education. The 3.9 percent increase in Foundation Aid —with a minimum 2 percent increase to all districts — and important updates to the funding formula will better recognize and support students experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, and English language learners.
A major 40-percent expansion in universal prekindergarten and increased support for our public colleges and universities, including increased access to higher education for adult learners through an expanded SUNY and CUNY Reconnect program, reinforce what we know to be true: when we invest in public education, we invest in opportunity and in New York’s future.
This budget moves New York forward. It reflects years of advocacy and organizing by NYSUT members and our partners who never stopped pushing for policies that strengthen public education, protect working people and create brighter futures for our children. We look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.
Budgets are statements of values, and we thank the elected leaders who stood up and made clear that New York’s students, educators and public schools remain worth investing in.”