Governor Paterson reportedly will propose a mid-year cut in state aid to public schools as part of a $2 billion budget reduction package to be released tomorrow.

Here’s a chart that provides some perspective on the budgetary debate ahead:

schoolaid-4550717
State aid to K-12 schools has risen 76% in the last 10 years, including 29% in the last three years. The current-law baseline — now obviously unaffordable — would require a further 29% hike over the next three years. Enrollment during this period has decreased slightly, and is projected to remain flat over the next three years.

About the Author

E.J. McMahon

Edmund J. McMahon is Empire Center's founder and a senior fellow.

Read more by E.J. McMahon

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