Controversy stirred on the Island over the state's distribution of school aid Thursday, one day after Governor Eliot Spitzer (D-NY) unveiled his budget proposal.

Despite a $1.4 billion increase in school aid statewide, some Republican lawmakers from Long Island voiced concern that the plan only gives 8 percent of the money to the region that has 17 percent of the students. Half Hollow Hills Superintendent Sheldon Karnilow believes the state should not ignore districts with high property taxes, despite acknowledging the need for poorer districts to receive more money.

Although upstate areas would receive larger aid increases, supporters of Spitzer's education proposal contend Long Island would receive significant cuts in school property taxes. Residents in Copiague, a lower-wealth school district lined up to receive a double-digit aid hike, say people in wealthier areas need to understand that their children deserve well-supplied schools too.

Related Information Gov. Spitzer's first state budget looks to cut property taxes, increase school aid