Assemblyman Thomas Alfano has announced passage of the New York state budget which provided Floral Park-Bellerose School District with a record school aid increase surpassing last year's state record. "This is a big win for the Floral Park community," said Alfano, adding, "the students in Floral Park-Bellerose and taxpayers are both winners."

Assemblyman Alfano, vice-chairman of the Joint Conference Committee, made the announcement early Wednesday morning after assembly passage of the bill.

"We can now look forward to the new school year assured that students will have the resources they need," Alfano said.

Alfano commented on the role of state legislators in the school aid process noting, "providing the funding necessary for our schools is the basic foundation in giving our children the very best education possible."

In particular, the Floral Park-Bellerose School District school aid news broke down as follows:

$ Change from budget year 1999-2000 from 1998-1999: +268,876

% Change from budget year 1999-2000 from 1998-1999 (total aid): +10.46%

$ Change w/o Transportation/Building: +194,265

% Change w/o Transportation/Building: +9.20%

Alfano concluded by saying, "This budget means better education and better schools for our community."

The budget bills now go to the governor's desk for signature. All bills were agreed to in budget conference committees.