January 17, 2001

ASSEMBLY PUSHES FOR RESTORATION OF PRE-K FUNDING

Appearing at a thriving Albany pre-kindergarten classroom, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver today criticized the newly announced executive budget for failing to fulfill the state's obligation to fund universal pre-K. Silver's school appearance was part of a statewide effort sponsored by the Emergency Coalition to Save Universal Pre-K.

Joining Silver and members of the coalition at the Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology, a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, were Assembly Education Committee Chair Steve Sanders, local Assemblymembers Jack McEneny, Ron Canestrari and Paul Tonko and officials from the Albany City School District.

"The fundamental benefits of pre-K are both significant and well-documented. That is why we must make the necessary investments that will provide great returns for our state's students, families and communities," said Silver, a long-time proponent of universal pre-K.

"Unfortunately, the governor's budget fails to recognize the needs of our state's children and reneges on our commitment to ensure that pre-K is available throughout New York," said Silver, who noted that 115 children in the Albany City School District are currently on a waiting list for pre-K.

Silver explained that children who attend quality pre-K programs develop an aptitude for learning that will continue to serve them as they advance through higher levels of education. They are more likely to enter elementary school ready to learn, score higher in reading, writing and math and achieve long-term academic success, he noted.

According to Sanders, the governor's budget cuts more that $600 million from the 1997 Learning, Achieving and Developing by Directing Educational Resources (LADDER) initiative. A key component of LADDER seeks to ensure that New York's four-year-olds have access to programs like the one visited today. Under the governor's budget, $275 million would be cut from the universal pre-K initiative.

"If the governor's budget is enacted, thousands of children throughout the state will never enjoy the extensive benefits pre-K offers. The Assembly Majority remains committed to ensuring that universal pre-K continues to grow," said Sanders.

"In 1997, state lawmakers said they wanted to make pre-K available to all of New York's four-year-olds to improve their chances to succeed in school. As a co-convener of the Emergency Coalition to Save Universal Pre-K, SCAA is committed to ensuring the necessary annual aid increases that the state's elected leaders have already agreed to fund. Promised categorical aid includes $500 million for 2001-02 to support a minimum funding level of $2,700 per child for universal pre-K and full support for reduced class size at $225 million," said Karen Schimke, president and CEO of the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy.

"The Universal Pre-K Program provides a research-proven effective jumpstart to literacy skill and school social skill development for our school population. We know our students will learn to read more quickly and more effectively as a result of their participation in universal pre-K. The program also allows us to strengthen cooperation with local providers, such as the YMCA, Headstart and the Boys and Girls Clubs," said Lonnie Palmer, superintendent of the Albany City School District.

"My daughter, Bess, enjoys coming to the universal pre-K program. Mrs. Burgess has provided a nurturing environment in her class, which enables the children to learn and experience other lessons from the special class offered to them at TOAST. I feel that every child should have the opportunity to attend this program. Universal pre-K is a necessity and it is fantastic," said Brenda Zafran, mother of a four-year-old pre-K student.

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