The state Senate will propose sweeping measures in its budget bill to undo Mayor de Blasio’s moves against charter schools, sources familiar with the plan said.
The recommendations — to be released as early as Thursday — include overriding the mayor’s decision to block three of Eva Moskowitz’s Success Academy charter schools from opening in city buildings.
“We’re going to fix this problem,” said Sen. Martin Golden (R-Brooklyn).
“We agreed for the first time to provide ‘facilities’ aid as well as operating aid to charter schools.”
Charter schools for the first time would also be eligible to receive state facilities aid. That move is a response to de Blasio scrapping $210 million in construction aid to charters.
Charter schools co-located in city buildings will also be able to continue to expand grades in the future, sources said.
The plan would also increase operating aid.
Another move tentatively being considered for the budget is a recommendation to prohibit the city from charging rent to charter schools.
The budget resolution also includes a $200 million fund to provide tax credits to New Yorkers who donate money to public, private or parochial schools.
The pro-charter agenda, likely to be approved by the Senate, would still require sign-offs from the Democratic-run Assembly and Gov. Cuomo.
While Cuomo is pro-charter, the Assembly is more aligned with the anti-charter teachers unions.
The talk of legislative initiatives comes after charter schools got a big boost in Washington, DC.
Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives united Wednesday to declare their strong support for charter schools.
Supporters pointed out that the combined waiting list nationwide for children to get into charters has reached 920,000.
“Recent news highlights the challenges the charter-school model faces,” said Rep. John Kline (R-Minn.), chairman of the House Education Committee, referring to New York’s war over charters.
Kline said Congress must support charters as a “valuable alternative to failing public schools and work together to encourage their growth.”
“For many children and their parents, charter schools are a beacon of hope for a better education,” he added.