De Blasio Calls Universal Pre-K Deal 'Historic,' Incredible'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday touted the deal to fund universal pre-kindergarten with state revenues as an historic victory.
As WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported, the mayor called the 5-year, $300 million annual funding for universal pre-K incredible.
"This is truly historic. Sometimes the word historic gets thrown around; I can tell you one thing, this really is a historic moment for the children and families of New York City. This is a huge step forward," said de Blasio. "It's going to have lasting benefits, it's going to have a huge multiplier effect. This is an investment, this is the kind of investment that will actually turn around our public schools."
"These are the kind of investments that will change education for a generation of New York City children. The whole school system will be different after we put these investments in place," de Blasio added.
Asked whether his proposed tax on the wealthy is now off the table, the mayor said "we believe we've achieved the mission." But he noted if something changes, all options are on the table.
State lawmakers were expected to vote on the budget before or just after Monday's midnight deadline.
The mayor discussed universal pre-K before throwing out the first pitch at the Mets game Monday afternoon.
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