New York State yesterday (THURS) made its third attempt to dismiss a 2008 court case filed by small city school districts calling on the state to provide fair funding for all students, so they can receive a sound, basic education. 

According the Post Journal of Jamestown, the New York Court of Appeals heard the state's argument to dismiss the case.

Meanwhile, Assemblywoman Addie Russell of Theresa is pushing the state to help all poorer schools.  She’s introduced a bill that would revamp New York’s school aid formula…

"To stop driving aid to wealthy, suburban school districts who have resources, and direct to school districts suffering under these draconoion cuts and provide at least a sound basic education.  (:24)

Russell says poorer school districts have lost an inordinate amount of aid in recent years of state budgeting.  She hears from districts that have cut music, driver’s education, and vocational programs, because they can no longer afford them. 

Russell says she has not found a sponsor for her bill in the Senate.

She spoke on the public radio show The Capital Pressroom yesterday.