F%$# Andrew Cuomo

Remember when I wrote that Bloomberg approved charter school plans would have disabled kids getting therapy in the hallway?

You should, it was only 5 days ago.

I noted that New York mayor Bill DiBlasio rejected a few charter co-location applications because of these issues.

Well, Governor Andrew Cuomo hates disabled kids:

Mayor Bill de Blasio has mapped out an ambitious agenda for education in New York City. He wants to reinvigorate schools on the verge of shuttering, open 100 schools with health clinics and therapists at their core, and train more students for careers in science and technology.

But the budget deal announced by state leaders on Saturday, which would require the city to find space for charter schools, may cut into Mr. de Blasio’s priorities.

………

With classroom seats in short supply across the city, Mr. de Blasio may find it difficult to accommodate charter schools and find space for some of his own programs.

Mr. de Blasio has said he is willing to work with charter schools, so long as they do not disrupt programs run by traditional public schools. He named a committee of district officials and charter school leaders last week to help mediate disputes over space and overcrowding.

………

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Republicans in the State Senate seized on the momentum, and on Saturday they announced an agreement that would provide charter schools in New York City some of the most generous protections in the country.

Under the deal, the city would be required to find space in public buildings for charter schools, which operate independently of the school district but receive public funds. If the city could not, it would have to cover the cost of renting private space, up to $40 million. Charter schools could challenge the city’s selection of space through an arbitration process.

You know that warehouse that they used to hold all those protesters in the 2004 Republican National Convention?

I would suggest locating them there

As Diane Ravitch notes, "The bottom line is that when billionaires talk, the New York legislature and Governor Cuomo listen. Actually, they sit up, bark, and roll over."

The political reality in New York state is that a primary challenge to Cuomo is practically impossible, so it's time to see if he is banging a hooker.

I really hope he is.

If there is anyone out there willing to take one for the team, it would be appreciated.