Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) released the latest episode of “The Gray Area” video series. In this week’s episode, Gray speaks to the fiscal concerns local school districts may face if the state budget is not passed in New York.

“We’re coming up against school aid – budgets are prepared, going up in front of boards, and they’re getting ready to be shared with the public. Today, we discussed what our schools are to expect, and we were told during the debate on the latest budget extender that schools are to use the governor’s numbers that were put out in the school aid runs,” said Gray.

That initial proposal from the governor included a total of $36.9 billion in total school aid, including $26.4 billion in Foundation Aid for the next fiscal year. These numbers represent a year-to-year funding increase of $1.7 billion, or 4.8%.

“The recent extender also included payroll coverage for 3,400 National Guard members who are still in the New York state correctional facilities in lieu of correctional officers,” Gray said.

“And that’s where we’re at. It was a brief week here, but we’ll be back next week to do another extender and hopefully, we’ll get into some budget bills. We’re close, the discovery law issue has been settled, and we’ve got a few more things to do. Hopefully, budget bills will start being passed. I wish you all a blessed Easter, and whatever other religious holiday you observe. Please enjoy the weekend, it’s a privilege to serve you in Albany,” Gray concluded.

Watch the episode here.