Seward Pleased with Education Aid in Budget

As a member of the joint budget conference committee on education, State Senator James Seward worked to boost school funding by $1 billion.

Senator Seward Tuesday commented on the education aid portion of the 2013-14 state budget:

"I fought to ensure local schools received their fair share of state aid this year, and were better positioned for future years as well," he said. "Even in a tight budget year, the overall education aid package delivers for students, schools and property taxpayers, and represents a substantial reduction in the gap elimination adjustment."

Seward also advanced a plan increasing restorations to the gap elimination adjustment, which was a major cause of concern for local schools. Seward was disappointed, however, that the Assembly would not include the Senate’s plan establishing a definitive timetable to completely erase the GEA in three years.