LINC Joins the Campaign for Equitable Education Funding (CEEF) to Advocate for Our Families Across New York City and State

Literacy in Community (LINC) is thrilled to announce that we have joined the Campaign for Equitable Education Funding (CEEF). CEEF advocates on both the city and state levels for the resources that our children need. CEEF membership includes 120 advocacy organizations, civil rights organizations, social service providers, and groups representing students, parents, and educators. 

Right now CEEF is focused on two very important issues: the state's Foundation Aid formula for NYC needs to be updated; and a number of city programs funded for FY26 (this budget year) are at risk for next year. 

Please join LINC in sharing an op-ed urging the legislature to make key changes to the current Foundation Aid formula and stop shortchanging our schools based on an outdated cost analysis from 2006.

Foundation Aid is the formula of need that determines the state allocation of support for our city’s education budget. In the groundbreaking Campaign for Fiscal Equity litigation decision, the court established the concept that education funding needs to take into account factors above and beyond a per pupil head count. For New York City, this means determinants like how many students live in poverty or have documented special education needs or have a home language other than English are all part of the equation. But that formula needs to be updated to reflect present circumstances.

Published in City & State last week, written by Senator Liu and Assemblymember Simon, this op-ed highlights the need for changes to Foundation Aid, including a weight for students who are homeless, an influx of migrant students, and an update to the Regional Cost Index. 

In addition, LINC would like to spread the word about CEEF’s upcoming virtual Teach-In with parents, students, educators, and other community members on Tuesday, December 9th, from 6:30-7:30. Register here to learn about our city and state education budget priorities and how you can advocate with us.

Topics Include:

• What long-term (“baselined”) funding is and which important NYC education programs are at risk of significant cuts in July 2026 due to expiring city funding.

• The NYS Foundation Aid education funding formula, the importance of fully funding it, and the necessary updates to better support NYC students.

  
  

As we prepare for a new mayoral administration and the beginning of the budget process in January, now is a key time to learn what is at stake! We hope that you will join us. 

To learn more about CEEF, please visit: CEEF’s website. For more information about LINC’s advocacy efforts, please contact: communications@lincnyc.org.