State Senate co-leader Jeffrey Klein vowed on Sunday to make a full-court press to get Mayor de Blasio’s plan for citywide universal pre-K education — paid for by hiking income taxes on high earners — passed in Albany.
The Bronx Democrat pointed to a new economic report detailing how the long-term benefits of early childhood education would offer a $3.7 billion return on the state’s investment.
“Universal pre-K is clearly one of the best investments our city can make,” Klein said. “That’s why . . . passing Mayor de Blasio’s full plan will be one of my top priorities.”
To pass, the measure will need support from the three legislative leaders and Gov. Cuomo, who is running for re-election this year on a promise to cut taxes.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver also supports the plan. GOP Senate co-leader Dean Skelos has been largely quiet on the topic.
The mayor wants to fund citywide pre-K education by raising taxes on residents who earn more than $500,000 a year and made it the cornerstone of his campaign.