July 24, 2008
Assemblyman Michael Benjamin Fights For Quality Education In The Bronx
Assembly Michael Benjamin's bold support of charter schools through published letters and public appearances has put him in the forefront of the education reform movement in New York State. From his work in lifting the charter school cap, to his quest to bring the cupcake back to school cafeterias, Benjamin has demonstrated his willingness to take an active and vocal approach to help improve the quality of children's lives.
Assemblyman Benjamin, who represents District 79 (the South Bronx), has been a fighter for quality education since assuming office in 2003. Benjamin was an early advocate of charter schools in New York. In a letter to the Legislative Gazette in March of 2005, Benjamin wrote, "Since the inception of the charter school law in 1998, charter schools have multiplied in communities where students are most in need of academic improvement. That's because parents are demanding more model schools like those already operating that are making a difference in their children's education. To keep that momentum going in educational reform, we need to lift the cap on charter schools."
In 2006, Benjamin appeared with other courageous New York State lawmakers to support a measure to raise the cap on charter schools. That same year he appeared at the groundbreaking of the Eagle Academy for Boys in the Bronx, continuing his support of innovation in education.
In 2007, Assemblyman Benjamin supported the state budget's appropriations for charter schools stating, "The state budget authorizes up to 50 more charter schools for New York City while instituting reforms to ease the financial impact of local school districts, increase accountability, and ensure communities have a voice in where they are located."
Benjamin's vocal support of charter schools has often put him at odds with local unions. According to the New York Sun, Benjamin met with members of the Municipal Public Employees Union in 2007 to speak about his support of charter schools. Benjamin reportedly asked the members if any of them had family members in charter schools. According to Benjamin, many responded that they did have family members attending charter schools. Benjamin told the New York Sun that he then asked, "So why shouldn't other families have the opportunity to have success?"
Assemblyman Michael Benjamin has time and again shown New York his devotion to ensuring that every child receive a quality education. He is a true reformer, and a tireless fighter for the Bronx in Albany.
