Historic Investments in FY2024 State Budget Deserve Recognition
In case you missed the great news: the FY2024 State Budget recently passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Hochul contains historic investments that will help shape New York’s future, both short- and long-term, while preparing our communities for the challenges ahead.
From transformative investments in K-12 public schools, the state’s mental health system and frontline workers in health care and human services to economic support to working and middle class families struggling with the high cost of living, this budget was a big step forward.
Out of the FY2024 Budget, the most important investment was the record $34.5 billion in total School Aid for school year 2024, an increase of $3 billion from last year and the highest level of State aid ever. Additionally, the budget includes $24 billion in Foundation Aid, also a record and an increase of $2.6 billion from last year.
This education investment is historical, transformative—and corrective. For too long, there has been an equity problem in New York, with the quality of education being afforded to our children being dependent on the zip code in which they lived. That means students in underfunded schools, like those in Ossining, Peekskill and Brewster, have been given less of everything to help students succeed in the classroom.
In the 40th Senate District, there are 18 school districts, including the Peekskill City School District and Ossining School District. For those 18 districts, there is $541 million of school aid in the FY2024 State Budget, an increase of $86.1 million in funding. These districts, on average, saw an 18.9% increase in funding. Foundation Aid for these districts is $358.1 million, a $75.9 million, 26.9% increase from the previous year.
Fully funding Foundation Aid was a top priority of mine when I was elected to the State Senate, and I am proud to have finally accomplished this goal. It will change lives.
Also historical, also life changing: $1 billion in the state’s mental health infrastructure to increase capacity for inpatient psychiatric treatment and expand the accessibility of outpatient services, as well as boost insurance coverage for mental health care. Too many residents have been falling between the cracks in regard to treatment and care for behavioral health disorders; we see evidence throughout our communities and schools. This critical investment was made even more necessary after decades of underfunding.
Along with $1 billion in healthcare capital funding and expanded Medicaid coverage for more than 7.8 million low income New Yorkers, plus $500 million for our safety net hospitals, it is easy to see how important these investments are to New Yorkers everywhere—the cities, suburbs and small towns.
Similarly, investments in environmental conservation to support the ambitious goals of the landmark Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act benefit our residents while serving as economic sparks throughout the state: $500 million for the Clean Water and Infrastructure Act and $400 million for the Environmental Protection Fund for capital projects that protect the environment and advance environmental justice. In SD 40, this funding will include $7.5 million for the Hudson River Estuary Management Plan and $500,000 for Hudson River Valley Trail grants.
More record funding to keep our roadways that are safe and drivable is an acknowledgement that our critical infrastructure needs have to be met. The sizable, 11% boost in Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) resulted in $598 million of funding, a $60 million increase that includes $3.0 million for Westchester and $1.22 million for Putnam. There is also $3 million for Route 35 / 202 study in the FY2024 Budget to go along with $2 million for a Route 9A study, both are precursors to the design phase to update these important thoroughfares and keep them in good repair.
Repeatedly, the State Legislature stepped up in the FY2024 Budget, modifying the Executive budget by increasing funding to $2.7 billion, another record, for Veterans care and services, such as the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer to Peer programs in Putnam and Westchester, legal defense and job creation initiatives. There was also $347 million to fund evidence-based gun violence reduction programs; $118 million to support a capital fund for volunteer firefighters; $2.7 million for the Westchester County Policing Program for increased parkway patrols; and $90,000 for Legal Services of the Hudson Valley’s domestic violence project. The new budget also allows the Office of Fire Control and Prevention the option of providing a training stipend to volunteer firefighters.
The FY2024 Budget helps fund public transportation, libraries and road repairs, offers homeowner assistance and tenant protections, supports law enforcement and childcare—all at record levels. New Yorkers deserve the best public services possible, and that’s what my colleagues in the state government who approved this budget achieved.
State Sen. Pete Harckham
Senate District 40