On Saturday, March 8, I joined Mayor Bill de Blasio, and many of my colleagues in city and state government at a National Action Network rally to support the Mayor’s plan for implementing Universal Pre-K and after-school programs in New York City. Studies show that for every $1 invested in pre-K, there is a $4-$9 measured benefit through reduced costs in special education, crime, welfare and increased economic activity. At the very least, New Yorkers deserve the authority to establish home rule and raise our own taxes to ensure all of our programs are stabilized through adequate funding sources. I continue to work with my colleagues to compel the State Senate governing coalition to bring to a vote Mayor de Blasio’s plan for a reliable and adequate funding stream to provide Universal Pre-K in New York City.