New York Appleseed's Response to Mayor Adams' Preliminary 2026 Budget
- Rochelle Du
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
1.24.25 at 12:00 PM- Last week, Mayor Adams released the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2026. While it includes some necessary funding, it once again falls short of making the critical investments needed to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all New York City students.
New York Appleseed is encouraged to see continued investments in programs and support for students, such as Summer Rising with a dedication of $100 million to the program and $15 million for other initiatives that help young New Yorkers learn academic, work, and independent living skills. We are also pleased to see that Learning to Work will continue to receive funding, with $31 million financing college preparation and career readiness for students at risk of not completing high school. However, we remain concerned, alongside many of our colleagues in the Coalition for Equitable Education Funding, about the remaining education programming funds once again set to expire as early as July 2025.
Vital NYCPS initiatives such as community schools, restorative justice programs, immigrant family communications and outreach, and more will be rolled back or eliminated this summer if funding is not extended. At the very least, Mayor Adams must continue funding existing education programs at their current levels, with additional investments provided for students who have the greatest needs.
We join many other educational justice organizations in expressing deep concern over proposed cuts to early childhood education programs, including the 3-K program and a $55 million reduction in funding for special education classes for children under five. These cuts are especially alarming given the hundreds of children already waiting for preschool special education placements, despite additional funding in last year's budget intended to expand these critical classes.
A truly equitable and integrated school system requires an equitable allocation of resources and opportunities. Unfortunately, this preliminary budget falls short of addressing the current challenges faced particularly by historically marginalized students, perpetuating cycles of divestment and instability.
NY Appleseed looks to work with other advocates to ensure that every student receives the support and care they need for long-term stability.