Washington D.C. – Today, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D- Queens & Brooklyn) and 8 other members of the New York City delegation urged Governor Pataki not to appeal the New York State Supreme Court CFE ruling. 

Earlier this month, The New York State Supreme Court again sided with the CFE, and affirmed the Special Masters’ finding that New York State must provide New York City schools with an additional $5.6 billion in operating aid and an additional $9.2 billion in facilities funds.

But the Governor says he won’t follow the court’s recommendation, and is planning to appeal.

Today, Weiner and 8 other members sent an urgent letter to Governor Pataki calling on him to accept the Supreme Court decision.

“Governor Pataki has once again turned his back on New York City school children,” said Rep. Weiner.  “Every delay consigns more of our kids to schools that just don’t cut it.”

Also signing onto the letter were Reps. Charles B. Rangel, Jerrold Nadler, Major R. Owens, Jose E. Serrano, Joseph Crowley, Gregory W. Meeks, Carolyn Maloney, and Edolphus Towns.

In 1993, the Campaign for Fiscal Equity filed suit to ensure adequate resources for New York City schools.  On February 14th, the New York State Supreme Court ordered the State to fully fund our schools.