Education Committee Chair Council Member Daniel Dromm:
“New York City needs a dedicated source of funding for universal pre-kindergarten. For Dean Skelos to say he will prevent a vote on this issue is very short sighted. Study after study has shown that children who receive early childhood education perform demonstrably better later in life than those who don’t receive it. It’s right to ask those who can afford it to pay their fair share of tax dollars. The Mayor’s plan will help create a better, stronger New York City for generations to come.”
State and Federal Legislation Committee Chair Council Member Karen Koslowitz:
“What Senator Skelos fails to mention is the fact the Governor Cuomo’s offer does not provide a long-term solution to keeping Universal Pre-K in our schools. Mayor de Blasio’s plan ensures a sustainable future for these services in our city. As Chair of the Committee on State and Federal Legislation, I will continue to push Albany to move the Mayor’s plan forward regardless of Senator Skelos’ threat to block a vote. The future of our children’s education is worth it.”
Governmental Operations Committee Chair Council Member Ben Kallos:
“The city has a clear, detailed and comprehensive plan to bring pre-k and afterschool to all of New York City’s children. It has the strong support of New Yorkers. Albany has a mandate to hear the voice of New York City residents and allow it to come to a vote.”
Women’s Issues Committee Chair Laurie Cumbo:
“Mayor de Blasio was elected on the promise to expand pre-kindergarten through a tax on the wealthiest individuals. The voters of the largest city in the state of New York mandated it. It is disgraceful for Senator Skelos and his minority coalition to disregard the will of the people, and it is simply immoral to choose the wealthy over our children.”
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