As an update to an initial memo released by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Monday evening regarding a federal funding freeze, OMB issued a new Q&A document yesterday afternoon. That document can be viewed here.
According to the State Education Department, the Q&A document clarifies that “the federal funding freeze will not impact critical programs such as Title I, IDEA, Pell Grants, or Direct Loans, which support high-poverty schools, special education services, and college financial aid respectively. Additionally, we expect that adult education and vocational rehabilitation programs will remain unaffected. It is our understanding that the funding pause, outlined in the recent memo, specifically applies only to discretionary grants at the Department of Education. The U.S. Department of Education is also collaborating with the Office of Management and Budget to identify additional programs not covered by the memo.”
Shortly after the release of the Q&A document, a U.S. District Court judge issued an administrative stay in response to a suit filed by non-profit and health care groups. The stay effectively blocks attempted federal funding freezes for the time being. The order expires Monday, February 3 at 5pm.
Elementary & Secondary Education Budget Testimony
Later today, NYSSBA’s Chief Advocacy Officer, Brian Fessler, will participate in the annual Legislative Elementary and Secondary Education Budget hearing. NYSSBA has submitted our written testimony to the joint committee. Brian will be on hand, along with several of our education partners, to offer formal remarks and answer any questions legislators may have. For those interested, the entire daylong event will be streamed live. You can view the event here. To read NYSSBA’s submitted written testimony, you can find it here.
2025 Live Virtual Capital Conference
Next Friday, February 7, join us for our annual live advocacy event. The morning will feature the state’s leading education voices from the State Education Department, the Legislature and the Governor’s Office. Guests will include Commissioner Betty A. Rosa, Senate Education Chair Shelley Mayer, Assembly Education Chair Michael Benedetto, Governor Hochul’s education staff and a roundtable of statewide political and education reporters.
At 9:40am, the Governmental Relations Team will present an in-depth review of the executive budget proposal along with a Question-and-Answer section.
You can find full program details here. As we have done in the past, the event will be recorded and shared with our members. You can register here.
Lobby Day in Albany
On Wednesday, February 12, join us on the Terrace of the Legislative Office Building in Albany for breakfast and packet pick-up beginning at 8:00am. NYSSBA's 2025 Lobby Day will be focused on NYSSBA's 2025-26 Budget and Legislative Priorities. Meetings are scheduled by attendees. We encourage you to contact your local SBA or the Senate and Assembly Member who represents your school district or BOCES. We will be providing attendees with talking points and leave behind materials for their meetings. Registration for NYSSBA Lobby Day can be found here.
Unsure of your district's state officials? Use your school district name in the "Find Officials" function on our Advocacy page.
You can find NYSSBA's 2025 Legislative Priorities and Position Statements here: