All New York students deserve access to a high-quality education, spanning from prekindergarten through college. Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature prioritized school funding in the FY 2026 Budget while also initiating steps toward a more equitable funding formula for P–12 and higher education. This paper outlines the state’s budget priorities, highlights changes in the funding formula, explores emergent issues in higher education, and discusses pressing concerns regarding teacher recruitment and retention. Broader statewide spending patterns, including per-pupil expenditures and alternative education models such as charter and nonpublic schools, are also analyzed.
Osnat Zaken (2026) studied this question.