As anticipated, Governor David Paterson has directed the Division of the Budget to delay December state aid payments to school districts (and municipalities) throughout the state by withholding certification of payments. While this action is intended to prevent the state from running out of cash, it further shifts the state's fiscal problems onto already cash-strapped school districts.
In reaction, a broad coalition of education advocates and citizen taxpayers, seeking to protect school programs from elimination, stop employee layoffs and prevent dramatic property tax increases, filed suit against Governor Paterson, saying he acted illegally and unconstitutionally by withholding state funds allocated by the state Legislature for school districts.
In reaction, a broad coalition of education advocates and citizen taxpayers, seeking to protect school programs from elimination, stop employee layoffs and prevent dramatic property tax increases, filed suit against Governor Paterson, saying he acted illegally and unconstitutionally by withholding state funds allocated by the state Legislature for school districts.
Click here for press release.
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UPDATE: Governor Paterson announced his intention to pay back December aid to school districts by today, Friday, or at the latest, Tuesday. Paterson cites adequate and expected revenue receipts as the reason for the repayment.
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