Issues: Education

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

By Senator Rubén Díaz

Families living in my community in the Bronx confront and overcome enormous challenges every day. As budget negotiations play out upstate and in the City, it’s becoming increasingly clear that our community could be hit hard again and this time, it’s our children who will unjustly bear the brunt of the pain.

Daily News Editorial

April 14, 2010

Two city legislators have emerged as profiles in courage in Albany. Manhattan Assemblyman Jonathan Bing and Bronx Sen. Ruben Diaz have introduced revolutionary bills that would elevate the interests of New York school children over the hidebound, destructive contract rights of teachers.

The state's historic budget crisis is driving the Department of Education toward laying off more than 5,000 teachers. If that were to happen under the current rules, disaster would follow.

Last week, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins presented certificates of achievement to participants of the YMCA Youth and Government Group at a reception held at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry. Last year, Stewart-Cousins secured funding through a legislative grant to create the Youth and Government Group, comprised of students from Pleasantville High School and the Yonkers YMCA.