Senator Craig M. Johnson announces that more than $1.25 million in state aid has been restored for Hicksville Public Schools in the 2008-2009 budget.

Under this budget, which passed last week, the district will receive $16.1 million in overall state funding - a little more than $1.25 million more than the previous administration's proposed 2008-2009 spending plan. The total funding is a 12.86 percent increase from last year's budget.

The final budget also includes an infusion of $938,244 in high tax aid, which are funds specifically earmarked to offset property taxes for residents living within the Hicksville school district. The proposed budget has only $539,359 more allocated for high tax aid to Hicksville schools.

"This education budget repaired what would have been a disastrous plan for our schools, our children and - ultimately - all taxpayers," Johnson said. "With this current economic climate, there was a fight for every last dollar. Despite these hardships, we were able to come up with a budget that places an emphasis on education and spares our children from bearing the brunt of this looming financial crisis."

Johnson met with Governor David Paterson's administration officials many times during the budget process to personally lobby for more state aid for schools in the 7th Senate District. Since winning a special election in February 2007, Johnson has secured more than $41 million in additional state aid for schools within the communities that he represents.

"In the short time Governor Paterson has been in his current office, he and his staff have shown an understanding of Long Island and Long Island issues, as well as a willingness to partner with us during budget negotiations," Johnson said. "I look forward to continue to work with this administration on matters that affect my constituents."