New York Governor David Paterson proposed last month a budget that would cut 5% from school aid and add $1 billion in new taxes and fees. According to analysts, they view this plan to be appropriate during hard times that the state is facing.
I'm a student who's very passionate about education and the system that's suppose to support and uplift our youth. So, when I first heard about the various cuts that was proposed, I was appalled. The budget is $134 billion and this addresses a $7.4 billion deficit. It shows a $1.1 billion cut in school aid, plus a $1 billion cut from health care spending. This aid would go towards hospitals and nursing homes.
It's sad to see money is going to be taken away from people that would really need it in New York State. As I sit and think about it, there were a lot of programs when I was attending public school in Brooklyn, NY that no longer exist. For example, the after-school Beacon program, a program that parents used to send their kids to get involve in different activities and receive additional help in school work. I used to complain about why I had to go to some of those programs, but I truly benefited from going. When we would go over a topic the next day in class, I knew what to do. Plus, it was a good way to utilize young kids' time instead of being outside on the street when most of our parents were still at work.
Health care spending is really important as well because a lot of citizens, especially senior citizens who are living in nursing homes or have a lot of hospitals visits, will be affected. We already have problems with insurance companies and dirty deals with HMOs.
I understand that the State of New York is facing hard times and taking extreme measures to cut this huge deficit. However, taking money away from children's education and health care is not the best step. I feel by doing that, New York is taking away their investment in the future and the future of the people.
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