State Senator Calls for Special Legislative Session to Address East Ramapo Central School District Funding Crisis
Albany, NY (August 5, 2024) – State Senator Bill Weber of the 38th Senate District has formally requested Governor Kathy Hochul to call the New York State Legislature back into session to address the critical funding crisis in the East Ramapo Central School District (ERCSD). In a letter dated August 5, 2024, Senator Weber emphasized the urgency of passing his recently filed bill, S.9887, aimed at securing essential funding for the district.
The proposed legislation, mirrored by Assemblyman Karl Brabenec’s corresponding bill, seeks to provide a one-time $20 million “spin-up” funding for ERCSD. This funding is crucial for the district to open its schools for the upcoming academic year without imposing additional tax burdens on residents.
Senator Weber highlighted the precedent of recalling the legislature, citing a similar instance in December 2022. He stressed the importance of addressing the educational needs of a predominantly Black and Latino community within ERCSD. “The educational future of children in a predominantly Black and Latino public school community is at stake,” Weber wrote, urging immediate legislative action.
A significant point of contention is the recent mandate by Commissioner Rosa, which requires an additional 4.38% tax levy on top of the already approved 1% increase by voters. Senator Weber criticized this decision, labeling it as “outrageous” and likely to incite further litigation, thereby exacerbating the existing strife between the district and state government.
Weber’s proposal aims to alleviate the district’s financial woes without additional tax increases, which many residents cannot afford. He called for a bipartisan approach, emphasizing collaboration among state officials and local stakeholders to resolve the crisis effectively.
“The ball is in your court, Governor, and I am hopeful to hear from you soon,” Senator Weber concluded, underscoring the need for swift and cooperative action to ensure a stable educational environment for ERCSD students.
The situation in East Ramapo highlights ongoing challenges in funding public education equitably across diverse communities. As stakeholders await Governor Hochul’s response, the urgency of securing the necessary support for ERCSD remains a top priority for Senator Weber and his colleagues.