New York State Republicans are taking aim at Gov. Kathy Hochul’s budget proposal, saying it doesn’t make education a priority.

This is a topic we’ve been following closely since the governor’s budget proposal earlier this month.

The governor’s plan proposes removing “hold harmless” protections – a policy instituted to make sure no school gets less Foundation Aid than they did the year before. Foundation Aid is the basic education grant that school districts receive.

Several school districts have already expressed concerns.

The Senate Republican Conference spoke at the state Capitol Monday, saying the move would cost $412 million in aid to schools.

“It should not be lost on anyone today that the governor’s budget proposal prioritizes things other than education. At a time when she’s cutting education for our children, she’s prioritizing spending $2.4 billion on a self-created migrant crisis,” said Great Neck Republican Sen. Jack Martins.

A number of schools here in the Capital Region would lose funding under the proposal.

For example, Berlin School District in Rensselaer County could lose up to $1.2 million.

On the other hand, there are districts that would see an increase in aid.