(ALBANY, NEW YORK) - New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) President Melinda Person released the following statement in response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s Executive Budget proposal:

NYSUT applauds Governor Hochul’s budget proposal, which demonstrates a commitment to New York’s students, Educators, public schools and the communities they serve.

She is keeping student mental health a top priority with bell-to-bell restrictions on cellphones and personal devices during the school day.

This is the best way to ensure students are able to learn in a distraction-free environment.

We are encouraged to see significant investments in Foundation Aid and a willingness to begin a conversation about updating the formula to better meet the evolving needs of our school communities.

This is a complex process that requires careful planning and it will take longer than a single year for a full modernization with the meaningful updates that our schools deserve.

We are pleased to see a recognition of the value of our public institutions of higher education through millions of dollars in new state support for SUNY (State University of New York) and CUNY (City of New York) Campuses and dedicated funding to cover free community college for students pursuing high-demand occupations.

And we celebrate historic funding for free school meals for every public school student in New York.

In one of the wealthiest states in the wealthiest country in the world, our children should not be hungry in school.

New York can provide our students and their families with the support and resources they need to thrive.

NYSUT stands ready to work with the Governor and the Legislature to make that happen.