New York Governor Kathy Hochul unveils her 252-billion-dollar executive budget to state lawmakers that includes tax cuts and a tax rebate for middle-class families.
A stronger-than-expected economy has given the state a 5- billion-dollar surplus that Governor Hochul is proposing to spend on rebate checks of up to $500 for taxpayers, along with an income-tax cut for the middle class to be phased in over the next two years. Also, an expanded child tax credit up to a thousand dollars per child, as well as expanded childcare, and free school breakfast & lunch for every student.
The Governor will boost school funding by nearly 5% but at the same time is calling on lawmakers to update the Foundation Aid Formula that determines how much school districts get in state funding. The Governor also will provide funding to help school districts secure students’ cell phones.
Hochul, who for more than a year, has said smartphones have become too much of a distraction for students, is proposing districts ban mobile devices during the entire school day.
Watch Governor Hochul’s Budget Address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ispBP_kfao