Cuomo Pushes School Bond Proposal



Governor Andrew Cuomo today promoted the proposed $2 billion school bond issue appearing on the November ballot.  Cuomo created a “Smart Schools Commission” in April to advise on how to spend the $2 billion proceeds of the proposed bond issue, and the commission formally delivered it’s report to the governor today.

The discussion at the commission’s presentation was all about technology in schools, with the greatest emphasis on broadband access.  The ballot proposition, if approved, would also permit using the bond proceeds “[t]o construct, enhance, and modernize educational facilities to accommodate pre-kindergarten programs and provide instructional space to replace transportable classroom units” and “[t]o install high-tech security features in school buildings and on school campuses.”  According to allocations posted on the governor’s website (which list the amounts for every school district) New York City will receive $783 million of the $2 billion bond proceeds.

After each of the commission members made remarks, Governor Cuomo spoke about the commission and ballot proposal.  Here are his remarks, albeit with his introductory comments omitted.

Ed Mangano:

Governor Cuomo gave an enthusiastic introduction of Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano.  A Republican, Mangano crossed party lines to endorse Cuomo for reelection and star in a TV commercial for Cuomo.  Cuomo is, of course, running against another Republican county executive.  Mangano has twice defeated Democrat Tom Suozzi, an erstwhile Cuomo electoral rival.