On Saturday, August 24, 2024, Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos (D-Brentwood) announced a landmark $347,500 investment in the Long Island Latino Teachers Association (LILTA), marking the largest state investment for LILTA by Deputy Speaker Ramos to date. The announcement took place at the Anthony Alfano Admin Office in Central Islip and featured Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado, highlighting New York State’s steadfast commitment to education and community support.
The substantial funding includes $227,500 dedicated to the continuation and expansion of LILTA’s vital programs, which are instrumental in nurturing students and building a pipeline of future educators. Additionally, $120,000 in capital funds will be used to secure a permanent location for LILTA, providing a dedicated space for community engagement and student enrichment.
The event also saw Deputy Speaker Ramos and Lt. Governor Delgado distribute backpacks to hundreds of local families, marking the beginning of the back-to-school season. The backpacks, generously donated by the Long Island Turkish Center, were provided to support students as they prepare for the new academic year.
Deputy Speaker Ramos and Lt. Governor Delgado have been key advocates for fully funding Foundation Aid, a crucial resource for residents of the 6th Assembly District. This event underscores the ongoing efforts of Governor Hochul and Lt. Governor Delgado to ensure that all children have the support and resources they need to succeed.
Deputy Speaker of New York State Assembly Phil Ramos Said …"As a lifelong resident of this incredible community, I am always proud of our talented and resilient students who overcome tremendous challenges to succeed. I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact LILTA has on those they mentor and support. With this historic $347,500 investment, we mark a significant milestone in our commitment to education. By supporting LILTA's essential programs and helping secure a permanent location for their work, we are investing in the future of our students and educators. I am proud to have secured state funding for this mission over twenty years, but this investment is particularly meaningful.
I want to thank Lt. Governor Delgado for joining me on this special day for our community and, most importantly, for our youth, as we turn a new and brighter page for LILTA. I am honored to work alongside Lt. Governor Delgado as we continue to work in Albany to find more ways to fully fund our schools so that no child is left behind or forgotten."
Lt. Governor Delgado said: “Education serves as the great equalizer in our society, and it begins with ensuring our students and educators have the proper resources. I was proud to join Deputy Speaker Ramos and our community partners to announce this critical funding and participate in a backpack giveaway to prepare our students ahead of this upcoming school year."
Dafny Irizarry, Founder and President Long Island Latino Teachers Association Inc. (LILTA) Said.."Today is an incredible day for LILTA and the hundreds of students who benefit from our life-changing programs and mentorship. From the very beginning, Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos has been a steadfast friend and leader for our mission, and we are profoundly grateful for this historic investment. We are also immensely thankful to Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado for joining us on this special day as we celebrate and strive to reach new heights, including the establishment of a permanent location for LILTA."
Central Islip Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sharon A. Dungee said: "Today we, in Central Islip Schools, are pleased to welcome New York State Lieutenant Governor, the Honorable Antonio Delgado, and Assemblyman and Deputy House Speaker, the Honorable Philip Ramos. They recognize the imperative for children to start the school year on the right path by providing them with the tools they will need to succeed in the classroom. We are
honored that together, we are creating an enriching educational environment for our students. We are also fortunate to have Long Island Latino Teachers Association President, Ms. Dafny Irizarry, as a member of our teaching team. Ms. Irizarry inspires our students to reach beyond their limits to explore the world of academia as they find their place to become productive members of society. We are most appreciative to Long Island Turkish Cultural Center of Long Island, Sadri Atinole, for this most generous donation of back-to-school backpacks."
Central Islip Board of Education President Mr. Luis Alcantara said: "This donation by New York State Lieutenant Governor, the Honorable Antonio Delgado, and New York State Assemblyman and Deputy House Speaker, the Honorable Philip Ramos, which is made possible, in large part, by the generosity of Mr. Atinole, alleviates a significant amount of costs associated with back-to-school obligations for our hard working families. Long Island Latino Teachers Association President Ms. Dafny Irizarry provides the kind of guidance for our students that prepares them for the competitive global society that awaits them as they prepare to graduate. On behalf of the Board of Education and entire Central Islip School Community, we are looking forward to a continued partnership with Lieutenant Governor Delgado, Deputy House Speaker Ramos and our New York State leadership in order to maintain the integrity of our educational programs so that all of our students will achieve to their maximum potential. I can think of no better way to accomplish this than to provide our students with the support and supplies that we are providing today."
About LILTA:
The Long Island Latino Teachers Association (LILTA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for high-quality education for Latino students, who represent the fastest-growing cultural group in the U.S. LILTA works to close the achievement gap, increase graduation rates, and promote higher education enrollment among Latino youth through initiatives such as college career conferences, cultural events, scholarships, and summer educational programs.