New York just became the first state in the country to impose a statewide freeze on new hyperscale data centers. Now, governors across the country must follow NY Gov. Kathy Hochul's lead and put kids over corporations.

Gov. Hochul’s executive order pauses state environmental permits for new data centers using 50 megawatts or more for up to 1 year. During the pause, New York will examine how these facilities affect electricity demand, water supplies, air quality, utility costs, and surrounding communities.

The rapid construction of corporate AI data centers threatens to consume massive amounts of electricity and water while forcing communities to finance new power generation, transmission lines, water infrastructure, and other costly projects. Big Tech corporations are also demanding generous tax exemptions that drain state and local budgets.

Public schools are already paying the price for these giveaways. Virginia’s data center sales-tax exemption cost the state more than $1 billion in fiscal year 2024. An estimated $267 million of that lost revenue would otherwise have supported K-12 public schools.

That money could help states hire educators, expand student mental health services, repair aging buildings, support students with disabilities, strengthen school libraries, and reduce class sizes. Instead, public officials are allowing some of the richest corporations in the world to avoid taxes while schools struggle for basic resources.

Public schools serve children, families, and entire communities. Hyperscale AI data centers concentrate resources and power in corporate hands. Governors must make clear that public funding, public infrastructure, and public policy will prioritize our children.

Click “Start Writing” to tell your governor to put kids over corporations and fund public schools before corporate AI data centers.