Budget hearings on March 19; and please call the Speaker!

The February 28 hearings on class size were so overcrowded that many people who came did not even get in the room or have a chance to testify. Many others were unable to attend because of other reasons. But I wanted to let you know that you will have a second chance. 

On Thursday March 19, starting at about 1 PM, the Council will be hearing public testimony on the education budget.  The hearings will take place in the Council Chambers at City Hall.  Please try to make it if you can!  If you need talking points, they are here.  If you plan to testify, make sure to fill out a slip with the attendant at the desk at the front of the room first.

In any case, for everyone who cares about this issue:  please call the Speaker’s office today, with this message:  “As a parent [or teacher, or concerned citizen], I urge the Speaker to  fight for $100 million to be targeted towards reducing class size in the public schools, and for this initiative to be included in the Council’s budget response.”

Here are the Speaker’s phone numbers:

212-788-7210  (City Hall office)

212-564-7757 (district office)

If you do call, please let us know by filling out this one-minute survey.

Finally, we have now posted several compelling short videos and links to written testimony from the Feb. 28 hearings on our website. Please take a look, especially at Regent Cashin’s lead testimony, recounting how when she was Superintendent of District 23 and lowered class size, the “whole world changed.”

But please remember to call the Speaker’s office today!

Thanks for your support,