Charter schools' expansion becomes key battle in NY budget negotiations

Gov. Kathy Hochul wants the Legislature to lift a regional cap that would free up licenses held by now-closed charter schools in New York City. If passed in the final budget, which is due April 1, the change would allow up to 108 new charter schools to open in the city.

Lawmakers in the state Senate and Assembly have so far pushed back on the governor’s proposal, and omitted the change in their joint budget response earlier this month. Opponents of the governor’s proposal argue that new charter schools could lead to declines in enrollment — and therefore funding — for public schools.