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“Governor Cuomo’s State of the State address contains a number of policy proposals that will help New York’s students in important ways, including focusing resources on at-risk students and schools with the greatest needs. Prioritizing these schools and students will bring greater equity and aligns with the legislative and policy initiatives advanced by the Board of Regents.��

“The Governor’s support for the federal DACA program, our immigrant students and passage of the Dream Act affirms the value these individuals have in our society. We also strongly support the Governor’s proposals to educate the whole child, a key priority for the Regents, including to ensure New York’s students have access to healthy meals at school so they can focus on learning in the classroom. Children should never be distracted from their studies because they’re too hungry to concentrate.

“The Governor also proposed initiatives to support our youngest children, including expanding opportunities for prekindergarten in high-need school districts and implementing the recommendations of the First 1,000 Days on Medicaid working group so all children start life with the services and supports they need to excel as they grow.

“We laud the Governor’s support to expand Speaker Heastie’s My Brother’s Keeper program, which will help deliver on the Regents’ goal of fostering equity throughout the education system.

“The Governor’s proposal to expand funding for computer science initiatives will help ensure students have every opportunity to pursue STEM career options in these rapidly growing fields. We are similarly pleased the Governor recognizes the value of the Early College High School Program, expanding students’ access to Advanced Placement courses and exams, lifting up the teaching profession and enhancing student mental health supports.

“We look forward to the Governor’s State Aid and budget proposals, which we hope will include a level of education funding sufficient to meet the needs of every student throughout our State, particularly those in schools with the greatest needs.”����