By Mark Scott
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-814773.mp3
Buffalo, NY – US Senator Charles Schumer was in Albany Monday for a meeting with Governor David Paterson on how a proposed federal economic stimulus package would benefit New York.
Schumer says he is pushing for educational block grants in the federal package. He says the money would be especially helpful for states like New York which are proposing massive cuts in school funding.
Schumer says New York could get as much as $6 billion in an educational block grant. He says the education aid would dovetail with other parts of the stimulus package such as infrastructure improvements and Medicaid relief that would also help the state.
Governor Paterson hinted he might not have to raise taxes and fees as much as he's proposed in the new state budget if the federal funding materializes.
Schumer says the federal stimulus package should reach the new president's desk by Febuary 13th.
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