BUFFALO, N.Y. — Governor Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders reached a $175.5 billion state budget agreement, that was announced on Sunday.
That budget deal cut $50,000 in funding from the Special Olympics, according to 2 On Your Side's Steve Brown.
In a phone interview with 2 on Your Side, State Senator Tim Kennedy says that funding for the organization was cut altogether, and had to be negotiated back up to $150,000. "We are off to a better start than they had originally gotten from the proposed budget," Kennedy said.
This news comes days after Education Secretary Betsy DeVos proposed to eliminate $17.6 million in funding for the Special Olympics on the federal level. Ultimately, the Trump Administration reversed course and said those cuts would not happen and that the money would be restored.
Stacey Hengsterman, President and CEO of Special Olympics New York responded with the following statement:
“Special Olympics New York is thankful to the Governor and Legislature for securing $150,000 in State Budget to support our Unified Champion Schools program, which is creating inclusive school communities throughout New York State. The budget process is always difficult and we are grateful we had so many champions advocating on our behalf. We will continue to work with our representives in state government to hopefully increase these funds and continue to grow this important program.”
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