Mayor Eric Adams announced the restoration of $167 million in early childhood education funding omitted from his January budget plan. This allocation includes $112 million for expanding the universal preschool program for 3-year-olds (3-K) and $55 million for universal pre-K special education classes. While this commitment aims to secure funding baselining, ensuring future administrations cannot alter it, it still falls short of the City Council's $197 million ask. Key city officials express concern that the funding does not cover needed expansions in child care services, highlighting ongoing debates over education funding adequacy in NYC.
Hizzoner announced the move alongside the programs' creator, former Mayor Bill de Blasio, during an April 16 news conference at the Department of Education's Tweed Courthouse headquarters in lower Manhattan.
Adams said that for the first time ever, they will baseline the funding, investing almost $170 million annually to support popular and critical programs like pre-K special education and the expansion of citywide 3-K.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Finance Chair Justin Brannan, and Education Chair Rita Joseph stated that the mayor's restorations still exclude funding for extending child care days and hours, vouchers, and outreach for the programs.
Adams emphasized that with this restoration, any future administration cannot manipulate or eliminate the funding, as it will be embedded as a permanent budget item.
#early-childhood-education #budget-restoration #nyc-education #funding-allocation #mayors-announcement
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