New York, NY —

Students, teachers, and community groups are urging Governor Paterson to reinstate $2 million for Adult Literacy Education, which was cut from his proposed budget. John Hunt, assistant director at the Center for Immigrant Education and Training at Laguardia College, runs English as a Second Language classes for immigrants who have children in the public school system.

HUNT: As the parents get more educated and they become more confident in English, then it has very positive effect on their kids and their kids education as well, so we just don't think it would be wise to cut this area.

A spokesman for the New York State division of budget says as a result of the record $14 billion deficit, Governor Paterson has been forced to make tough choices, but the additional federal stimulus funding the state is receiving may be used to restore the program cuts.