AFT’s Weingarten on Decision in Maisto Schools Funding Case

ALBANY, N.Y.—AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement responding to the New York Appellate Division’s reversal of a state Supreme Court ruling in Maisto v. State of New York:

“Today’s decision is a big deal. It acknowledges that New York’s constitutional provision for a sound basic education for all students is a meaningful requirement. Funding for New York’s small city school districts has been manifestly inadequate, with those districts disproportionately bearing the brunt of budget cuts after the recession. Equity and fairness to children require revenue to be invested where it’s needed most. That is why we are so grateful that today the Appellate Division ordered that the state Supreme Court reconsider the facts raised in Maisto—an important milestone for students and communities working to win the schools they deserve. Nevertheless, this case is far from over, and the AFT and our state affiliates will continue our fight for as long as it takes for justice to be done.”