Hypocritical Republicans Vote Against Schools and Families

Democrats passed a landmark charter reform bill, more than doubling the number of charter schools allowed in the state, and banning private companies from profiting off students. Unanimously supported by Democrats, the measure sets up New York to receive $700 million in crucially needed, federal Race to the Top funds.

The measure was opposed by half of the Republican conference - a bizarre turn of affairs that exposes the hypocrisy and lack of substance behind the GOP's position on the issue. Just one month ago, when New York failed to secure a grant in the first round of Race to the Top awards, the GOP claimed that more action was needed to raise the cap on charter schools, and only Republican support could ensure that a bill passed in the Senate. Dean Skelos even released a statement criticizing the Democrats for inaction on charter schools.

Yet when time came to stand behind their words and stand up for New York's future, it was Skelos's conference that tried to obstruct much needed aid to our schools. Half of all Republicans voted against the measure, proving themselves once again to be the party of "no," and reminding New Yorkers just what Republican rule in the Senate was all about - empty rhetoric and broken promises made at the expense of their constituents.

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