One way New York state lawmakers can help our local school districts is to end what’s called the “gap elimination adjustment.”
The adjustment essentially skims aid from schools and redirects it toward the state’s budget. Officials have said the move has collectively cost school districts in the state billions of dollars over the years.
The adjustment began in the 2010-11 budget year – a year after state aid to schools already had been frozen.
Earlier this month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he wants to eliminate the gap elimination adjustment over the next two years. There is no need to wait that long. We join with educators and lawmakers who are calling for an end to the adjustment this year.
State Sen. Hugh T. Farley, R-Niskayuna, told The Leader-Herald earlier this month ending the gap elimination adjustment is on the Senate’s list of priorities. A law to remove it before the next school year, co-sponsored by Farley and state Sen.?George Amedore, R-Rotterdam, passed the Senate and was sent to the state Assembly. We encourage the Assembly to approve the measure.
