May 21, 2026

City budget update

Mayor Zohran Mamdani held a press conference on May 12 to outline his top proposals for the city budget. While these are only proposals at this point, and he acknowledged that negotiations with the City Council and Albany are just beginning, he mentioned several of our city priorities in his outline. There is still more work to do. As negotiations take place, we will continue to monitor these proposals and advocate for our priorities to become reality in the final budget.

• Class size 
  The mayor said he is committed to implementing the class size law. The city plans to dedicate funding toward hiring new teachers and capital planning for school construction to comply with class size requirements. However, Mamdani said that he plans to ask Albany for an extension, which we believe should only be done if absolutely necessary. Construction is going to be a big part of this next phase, and we plan to visit schools to see what the city's plans are. In the meantime, we continue conversations with the mayor and Albany.
• Special education funding (paraprofessionals) 
  The mayor said that the city will invest in special education services, which will, in turn, reduce how much the city spends on special education lawsuits. He also said the city will improve the way special education cases are managed. This echoes the arguments we've been making as part of our RESPECT check campaign. This is a positive sign of support for our RESPECT check bill, which we will continue to push for until our legislation is passed.
• Pension 
  Mayor Mamdani proposed restructuring the city's extra pension payments, which means the city would spread out its additional pension contributions to the city's fund over time. These payments are separate from the city's traditional contributions, which will continue without change or disruption. The mayor was clear that "this restructuring [would have] no impact on retirees and their benefits or current employees and their future benefits." City Hall has yet to outline a clear proposal, but any recommendation must be evaluated and then approved or rejected by the state and by the trustees of all five pension systems, including TRS and BERS.
• Child care 
  The city is proposing allocating money for increasing child care provider rates, outreach efforts and staffing levels. The mayor also announced the creation of a new program aimed at providing free child care to municipal workers.

State budget update

The state is slowly starting to release bills for the state budget, which is now seven weeks late. While we are still waiting to see how things land with Tier 6 and class size, we have heard positive news about some of our priorities that we have been lobbying for.

• More funding for city public schools
  The UFT's lobbying efforts were a driving force in getting an $860 million increase in total school aid for New York City compared with last year. This includes a $538 million increase in Foundation Aid; the state legislature added $234 million more for New York City than what Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed in January.
• More funding for vulnerable students
  Albany listened to educators and changed the antiquated formula it uses to distribute Foundation Aid funds to school districts. For the first time, the state is providing additional funds specifically earmarked for homeless students and for students in foster care, and it increased funding for English language learners.
• Mayoral control
  The state legislature rejected the governor's request to give New York City a four-year extension of mayoral control and instead gave only two years. This means the Mamdani administration will need to show Albany what it has done to improve public schools midway through the four-year term. Over the next two years, the UFT will continue to advocate for more educator and parent voices to be included in policy decisions.
• More protections for immigrant students
  Albany increased and reinforced protections for immigrant students and their families as a firewall against federal intervention. The state strengthened its legal position that all students are entitled to a free public education regardless of immigration status. 
  
  The state reinforced that schools are sensitive locations and law enforcement must have a judicial warrant in order to enter. And the state imposed restrictions on what actions its employees can take on immigration enforcement.

Create a team for our 5K Family Run/Walk on June 13

Put together a team from your school or chapter to participate in the union's 11th annual 5K Family Run/Walk on Saturday, June 13, on the Coney Island boardwalk. The fee to participate is $25 for adults and $15 for children age 12 or younger. Proceeds go to the UFT Disaster Relief Fund. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., and the walk/run begins at 9:30 a.m. at Maimonides Park, 1904 Surf Ave. The UFT will provide complimentary water, snacks and giveaways for each participant and a chance to win raffle prizes. You can run or walk as an individual or as part of a team. Sponsors can also pledge money for your participation. Post this flyer in your school.

Register now

Don't miss a fun-filled UFT Family Day

UFT members and their households are invited to a fun-filled day of excitement and community! Enjoy music, bounce houses, slides, indoor zip-lining, face painting, raffles and delicious food. This year's family day will be split into two sessions: one from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and another from 3 to 6 p.m. Happily Ever After Rescue (H.E.A.R.), founded by UFT member Kristie Innes, will bring a few dogs who are looking for loving homes. Don't miss the chance to connect, celebrate and create lasting memories!

UFT Family Day will be held at Globall Sports Centers, 1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd. in Garden City, New York, on Saturday, June 6.

Register now