Assemblyman Doug Smith, Ranking Member of the Assembly Education Committee and a former high school math teacher, sharply criticized Albany’s failure to pass a state budget, now over three weeks past its April 1 deadline. The delay, which missed a critical April 22 cutoff for school districts to receive finalized state aid numbers, has left districts across New York scrambling to prepare budgets for public votes on May 20.
Smith, a parent and vocal advocate for education, described the delay as a “betrayal” of students, educators, and communities. “Albany’s lack of urgency is unacceptable,” Smith said in a statement. “School districts from Long Island to Western New York are being forced to guess their state aid because the Governor and legislative leaders can’t deliver. As a former math teacher, I know how vital stable funding is for our classrooms. This isn’t just incompetence—it’s a failure of leadership that hurts our kids.”
The state budget determines Foundation Aid and other funding streams that make up roughly 32% of school district revenues statewide. Without clarity on these numbers, districts face tough choices, potentially cutting programs, laying off staff, or raising property taxes to balance budgets. The delay exacerbates challenges for school boards, which must finalize budgets for voter approval by May 20. Last year’s budget, finalized 19 days late, caused similar disruptions, a pattern Smith called “unconscionable.”
Speaking from his experience in education, Smith highlighted the real-world impact of the delay. “School boards are up against hard deadlines. Every day without a budget means less time to plan for teacher salaries, classroom resources, or special education services. Rural, suburban, and urban districts are all suffering because Albany can’t get its act together.”
Smith demanded immediate action from Governor Kathy Hochul, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to finalize the budget. “Our children’s education isn’t a bargaining chip,” he said. “It’s time for Albany to stop the excuses and deliver a budget that supports our schools. New York’s students, teachers, and taxpayers deserve better.”
As Ranking Member of the Assembly Education Committee, Smith has consistently fought for equitable school funding, opposing cuts to Foundation Aid and advocating for suburban and rural districts. He vowed to continue pressing for accountability, stating, “I won’t stand by while Albany’s dysfunction shortchanges our schools. Our kids deserve a government that works for them.”
The ongoing budget impasse has drawn criticism from educators and local officials, who warn that further delays could disrupt planning for the upcoming school year. With the May 20 deadline looming, pressure is mounting for Albany to act swiftly to provide school districts with the certainty they need.
