State of New York Archives: on Education
Andrew Cuomo:
Follows federal lead in education by emphasizing performance
The federal government's move to performance-based grants, including the Race to the Top program, has resulted in reform. I propose two competitive funds to incentivize improvements. First, I propose a school performance fund for districts that
proportionally increase performance in the classroom. The second will be an administrative efficiency fund for districts that can find savings through efficiencies. These grants will complement the objectives of the Race to the Top program.
Source: N. Y. 2011 gubernatorial press release "Assets SOS2011"
Jan 5, 2011
Hakeem Jeffries:
No abstinence ed nor voluntary prayer in public schools
Q: Do you support voluntary prayer in public schools?A: No.
Q: Do you support sexual education programs that include information on abstinence, contraceptives, and HIV/STD prevention methods?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support abstinence-only sexual education programs?
A: No.
Source: N. Y. Congressional 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
John Katko:
100 federal education programs, and no better education
Per-pupil federal expenditures on education have nearly tripled in terms of real dollars, and more than 100 federal education programs exist today.
Despite these expenditures, has the achievement gap been eliminated? Are current generations better educated?
Source: 2014 N. Y. House campaign website, JohnKatkoForCongress.com
Nov 4, 2014
John Katko:
Make decisions about public schools at local level
Q: Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?
A: No. Decisions on what gets taught, how, and when in our public schools are best made by classroom teachers and education professionals on the local and state level, not by federal bureaucrats.
Source: VoteSmart 2014 N. Y. Congressional Political Courage Test
Aug 30, 2014
John Katko:
Fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
As a Member of Congress, I will advocate for the federal government fully funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA) for students with special needs. It is a grossly underfunded federal mandate, and its costs are weighing down local school systems and local taxpayers.
Source: VoteSmart 2014 N. Y. Congressional Political Courage Test
Aug 30, 2014
Lee Zeldin:
Grade school students need to be better represented
I want every child to have more opportunities, and a brighter future, than their parents and grandparents were offered. This has always been the American way. Unfortunately, that's not the path we're on as a nation today.
As your Congressman, I will take this fight to the national level to ensure that our grade school students are better represented. I will also continue to do all that I can to ensure that students have greater access to higher education.
Source: 2014 N. Y. House campaign website, ZeldinForCongress.com
Nov 4, 2014
Rob Astorino:
Common Core has been a disaster; replace with local control
Cuomo's Common Core has been a disaster for parents, teachers and children alike. Rob Astorino will end Cuomo's Common Core and replace it with better standards, teaching and testing, all set and controlled at the local level.
Rob will also promote vocational schools and enhanced job training programs to help develop and strengthen New York's workforce.
Source: 2014 N. Y. gubernatorial campaign website, RobAstorino.com
Jul 2, 2014
Zephyr Teachout:
Public education is the foundation of democracy
Public education is the foundation of democracy. That's why so many members of the founding generation in America promoted free public education. I was lucky to have the chance to attend great public elementary and high schools.
My first real job out of college was as a special education aide in a rural public school. I know from personal experience that strong public schools are essential not just to learn the skills and gain the confidence needed to thrive in today's economy
, but to build the knowledge and experience every citizen requires to become a full participant in political society.Governor Cuomo has abandoned our public schools. His drastic budget cuts are short-sighted and entirely unnecessary.
Under his tenure, class sizes have swollen to record levels. New York school districts have had to eliminate tens of thousands of educator positions. This means schools have had to slash art, music, and sports, among other programs.
Source: 2014 N. Y. Governor campaign website, ZephyrTeachout.com
Jul 2, 2014
Josh Eisen:
Promote replication of Charter Schools and School Choice
Education is a right and educated citizens are a national interest. Our entire educational system requires examination because it is an
19th century model still operating in the 21 st century. We must fight to promote analysis and replication of successful endeavors such as Charter Schools and School Choice.
Source: 2024 N. Y. Senate campaign website EisenForCongress.com
Mar 4, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026