Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced a $108 million program designed to address pandemic-era learning loss and traumatic experiences experienced by school children when educational facilities closed down. While some states have already started providing students with tutoring, Hochul appears to be doubling down on her decision to wait and is now attempting to help those affected regain any lost ground.
Leading the press release, Hochul declared nonchalantly “no one could have predicted it.” This statement infuriates many who put faith in those elected to serve them. Hochul’s lack of foresight has cost children their education and their future well-being.
The press release describes Hochul’s plans for the funds, which are expected to go towards addressing trauma caused by the pandemic, with focus falling on the areas with the highest need.
“The effects of the pandemic on our students were devastating and irreversible,” Hochul said in her speech.
Grotesquely, Hochul is using this tragedy to line her wallet and further her agenda. Even by the admission of an independent non-profit, NWEA, four extra months of schooling are not enough to bring students up to grade-level expectations. While Hochul spends $108 million while failing to leave a lasting impact, other states continue to battle the pandemic learning loss with their own tactics and programs.
This act by Hochul should do nothing to assure her constituents that she is fit for the job of Governor. It should be a reminder that she and many of her Democratic peers display a twisted sense of economics when it comes to their taxpayers’ money.
As governor, I won’t let learning loss and shattered mental health be the lasting legacy of the pandemic.
By investing in efforts to pinpoint where students have fallen behind and get them the mental health resources they need, we will help get our kids back on track. pic.twitter.com/oaYCNnil2X
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) August 3, 2023
It is difficult to imagine the long-lasting damage that this pandemic learning loss may have on the state of New York, and more importantly, the children of the state. For many of them, $108 million would hardly feel like enough. Students and taxpayssr deserved better!
With all of this money spent, and all of these committees formed, the real question is how much of it will actually be allocated in a manner that would address the needs of the students, and benefit them beyond the scope of attendance in an educational institution.