"Considering the current economic climate, tough choices will need to be made during the 2008-09 budget process. Unfortunately, the governor's Executive Budget does not reflect a willingness to consider the already excessive burden placed on our property taxpayers or a commitment to providing adequate education aid to school districts.

"Whether you call it a cut or "a delay in fully funding" as the governor does, the decrease in proposed funding for this year's basic Middle Class STAR rebate and Foundation Aid to school districts would place an additional burden on localities and property owners to meet lower than expected state assistance.

"If tough budget choices are going to be made they should not be made at the expense of providing for our children's education and on the backs of New York's working class. Any delay in funding to these areas not only short-changes our school districts and working-class, it also is contrary to commitments made during last year's budget process."