| Releases & Statements
Justice DeGrasse sent a loud and clear message on Monday night.
The case is over.
Now it is time for Governor Pataki to do what he has not done: show accountability and leadership and deliver the money for New York City Public Schools.
He must not be an obstructionist by appealing.
New York City schoolchildren deserve to learn in a system that is adequately funded. They cannot afford to have this process stalled by the Governor and his upstate interests.
He’s wrong on this issue and he’s wrong to appeal the decision. Now, it’s time to accept it.
Why do we need the money?
Because 59.6% of our school kids do not graduate on time.
Why do we need the money?
Because 44.6% of our 3 rd to 8 th graders can’t read or write at grade level.
Why do we need the money?
Because our classrooms are overcrowded. Our schools are well above capacity and we do not pay our teachers enough to keep them here.
Degrasse’s affirmation of the Special Masters Report should be the final word on this matter. We’ve waited patiently for many years for this case to be decided and at this point an appeal would be foolish and obstructive.
The Governor and the State must get to work immediately to establish a funding structure authorized by DeGrasse’s decision.
I am proud to stand alongside such a dedicated coalition to protect the interests of our schoolchildren.
We all have the same message for Governor Pataki:
Accept this decision and look to be constructive and not obstructive.
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