Funding our Schools. Pat has been an outspoken advocate for increasing K-12 school foundation aid and closing the Gap Elimination Aid (GEA) by supporting several successful multibillion dollar education increases. Pat previously served as the elected President of the City of Albany School District Board of Education and a passion to improve our schools helped launch her into elected office.
First forum on Over-Testing Students. In 2013, Pat led the effort to organize and host the first state legislative forum on the over-testing of students. This early bipartisan legislative forum helped spark the public outcry and revolt on over-testing – ultimately leading to serious changes in the New York State Board of Regents and a rollback in state education assessments and common core testing requirements.
Afterschool Programming. Studies show that participation in afterschool activities boosts academic outcomes for students and helps close the achievement gap. As a leading Assembly proponent for increased afterschool programming, Pat supported increased state funding, which helped the Albany Schools to obtain a $1.4 million grant to increase afterschool programs in 2017.
Supporting Local Libraries. Pat has long supported New York public libraries, which often serve as vibrant centers of local communities. In 2017, she strongly advocated for a successful increase in their capital funding for library building infrastructure of $4 million for a total $95 million, where even the smallest grant can be leveraged for maximum benefit to libraries.