State Budget Passes

This year’s state budget negotiations were highly unusual. What was initially expected to be a straightforward proposal by the governor turned into the most protracted budget process New York has experienced in years. This update provides highlights of the final budget based on the language of current bills. SAANYS will continue to deliver updates as further details emerge.

View the full update with bill breakdowns here.

Highlights include:

Retirement System Updates & Tier VI Gains: Significant progress was made in achieving greater equity for members in Tier VI.

School Aid Allocations: Overall aid to schools increases by 4.27%, representing an increase of approximately $1.66 billion.

Prekindergarten Consolidation: Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, all prekindergarten funding streams will merge into a single Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) Program.

Environmental Mandates & Professional Development

Charter Schools

Mental Health Funding

Special Education Funding

Sensitive Locations Protection Act

Prohibit Denial of Free Education of Children Due to Citizenship/Immigration Status

After School and Extended Day

Math Instruction

SAANYS lobbied diligently for many of the components of the final budget. Increased allocations for school districts, pension reforms, and funding for professional development have been high priorities for our members. These efforts have been consistent and persistent and have resulted in an effective long- game approach. SAANYS would particularly like to thank the Government Relations Committee, which has held strategic and highly effective legislative meetings, particularly in March and May of this year. Thank you to the committee members for their dedicated efforts.