Rockland Writes: Senator Bill Weber Decries NYSED's Draconian Imposition of an Additional 4.38% Tax Levy on East Ramapo, Vetoing Voter Decision

 New York State's Department of Education Commissioner Betty Rosa is attempting to impose an additional 4.38% tax levy on East Ramapo Central School District (ERCSD). This goes completely against the will of the district's voters, who approved a 1% budget increase in June after voting down the original budget presented by the board of education.

Albany democrats opened up this entire Pandora's box in 2021 by leading the charge on a fiscal monitor with veto powers. They called it historic legislation. That legislation left the ERCSD to suffer under state monitors with veto power over an elected board of trustees. As a result of Albany Democrat's feckless actions, we now have the Commissioner of Education vetoing the will of the voters, canceling their vote, and putting in her own tax levy.

Last April, those very same monitors vetoed a unanimous decision by the ERCSD board approving a new, highly qualified superintendent and, in a completely unreasonable and hypocritical response, then turned around and blamed the voters for not having hired a superintendent.

Rather than pour fuel on the fire, I have been the voice of reason throughout, offering common sense, long-term solutions like Monday night's public forum on the Foundation Aid Formula after Rockland School Districts were left out of the discussion by Albany.

I have also advocated for a more proactive and equitable solution during my entire term in office. Recognizing the transportation law imposed by New York State did not work for the ERCSD, which is unique due to the large number of private school students in the district, Assemblyman Karl Brabenec and I introduced legislative solutions in both legislative chambers (Senate Bill S4510A and Assembly Bill A4020A) in May 2024.

While the democrats in Albany continue to attack and ignore the voice of the people, it's time to look beyond the chaos and see who is really out there and stands for the good of the community. Albany democrats are the arsonists that started the fire. They can't be the firefighters now.

Whatever the next steps are in the bizarre twists and turns the Democrats keep throwing at the ERCSD. Know that I will be there fighting the fight and standing up for the voters and democracy.

Respectfully Submitted,

Senator Bill Weber, District 38