New York State Assemblyman Tom Alfano called the school aid in the governor's budget proposal only a starting point, but said it is not enough for the needs of the communities in the 21st Assembly District. Alfano made the statement even though most school districts in his assembly district will receive increases in state aid.

"My priority has always been delivering aid to our schools that meet the needs of our community. The success of our young people in the elementary schools on test scores and scholarship aids in the high school is a direct result of the investments we make in education," said Alfano. "When you look at our communities and the diversity they represent, the achievements being made in our schools are a reflection to the commitment of not only the teachers and leaders in our schools, but having the resources to do the job."

According to Alfano's office, part of the increase in the school aid package is a direct result of a new aid called "sound basic education." In the Elmont Union Free School District, $375,379 is channeled in the plan for school district costs through sound basic education, a program designed to provide needed funding to ensure all schools have the resources required to meet the state's educational standards.

The breakdown in state aid, according to the governor's proposal is as follows for local school districts:

2004-2005 State Aid - $14,201,631

2005-2006 State Aid (Proposed) - $14,709,043

Sound Basic Education (SBE) Aid (Proposed) - $375,379

Difference + 882,791

2004-2005 State Aid - $5,681,539

2005-2006 State Aid (Proposed) - $5,766,889

Sound Basic Education (SBE) - $33,099

Difference +118,449

2004-2005 State Aid - $19,032,934

2005-2006 State Aid (Proposed) - $19,103,718

Sound Basic Education (SBE) - $360,049

Difference + 430,833

2004-2005 State Aid - $5,634,795

2005-2006 State Aid (Proposed) - $5,495,108

Sound Basic Education (SBE) - $50,706

Difference - $88,981

Alfano stated he will be announcing a new school funding plan that will look at the overall picture of schools and will utilize community needs, property values, tax structures as well as demographics of school populations. Alfano said he will also ask that regional costs are factored in as well when calculating school aid. "The price of educating a child in a rural community upstate is a lot different than in Elmont, Franklin Square or North Valley Stream. The differences in taxes are just a starting point," he said.