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Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons; Israel planted explosives in pagers sold to Hezbollah according to official sources; Serving looks with books: Libraries fight 'fast fashion' by lending clothes; Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries.

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JD Vance calls for toning down political rhetoric, while calls for his resignation grow because of his own comments. The Secret Service again faces intense criticism, and a right to IVF is again voted down in the US Senate.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

NY Education Reformers: “One House Budget Bills” Good, but Not Enough

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Wednesday, March 14, 2012   

ALBANY, N.Y. - Both the state Assembly and Senate submitted budgets this week which would redirect $200 million into New York's public schools and classrooms in place of competitive grants proposed in the governor's budget.

Education reform advocates are hailing what are called the "one-house budget bills," but say even total restorations won't be enough to forestall further classroom cuts. Nikki Jones, communications director for the Alliance for Quality Education, says students still will have to compete for $50 million in grants.

"Children shouldn't have to compete for an opportunity to make their educational dreams come true. New York State has a constitutional obligation to every student to make sure that they're provided with a sound, basic education."

Students, teachers and parents are busing in from around the state today for a rally at the Capitol and to visit legislators' offices. They'll tell them that a welcome $805 million in total restored funds still falls short of the $2.7 billion cut from education aid during the past two years.

Jones says the damage to public schools statewide has been severe.

"We've lost 30,000 teaching positions. We've lost programs that students need, such as after-school tutoring and college prep, arts and sports. These are programs that students depend on to have a well-rounded education."

Jones says she's delighted by the enthusiasm being shown for today's education lobbying day.

"We've seen our numbers more than double than what we were expecting. So, we are very excited to be able to partner with New Yorkers around the state and fight for a better New York, a better future for our students."

The events kick off at 11:30 a.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center.


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