Join us December 3, 2024 at 12pm for this free member webinar to hear NYSSBA's analysis of the current political environment and what it all might mean for education. Staff will discuss the potential impacts of 2024 election results, review NYSSBA’s budget requests and legislative priorities, and provide insights about the upcoming legislative session.
Join Brian Fessler, NYSSBA's Director of Governmental Relations, along with members of NYSSBA's Governmental Relations team, as they answer your questions and provide you with the need-to-know information for the 2025 session. Register here.
Legislative Updates
Last month the Governor signed S.9760 Mayer/A.10356-A Benedetto. This bill would direct the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to create materials with information regarding safe storage of firearms and preventing child access to firearms, which will be provided to individuals upon receiving a firearm license. In addition, DCJS would be directed to develop and implement a public awareness campaign on the same subjects. By providing these materials to all newly licensed firearm users, as well as by raising public awareness of safe storage, this legislation would take meaningful steps toward achieving school board members’ goal of reducing access to unauthorized firearms in schools.
As we make our way to the end of the year, we encourage you to join us in a push to support S.9292-A Mayer/A.9238-A Woerner to lessen the financial challenge of the zero emission bus transition. If signed by the Governor, when delivered, the bill would change the length of time over which transportation aid is distributed to districts for ZEBs, from twelve to eight years. Our editable letter to the Governor continues to be live. We encourage you to personalize it and send it. You can find it here.
Advocacy Opportunities
Federal Take Action
Join NSBA in urging Congress to finish its work and prioritize education funding. With Congress back in Washington, D.C., it needs to determine whether to fund the government with a full spending package in December or opt for another temporary funding bill that delays hard negotiations until we have a new Congress and a new president in January.
Currently, the Senate and House are far apart on funding levels. The Senate, which has been working on a bipartisan basis, would provide $80 billion in discretionary funding for the U.S. Department of Education — a $12.1 billion increase over the House bill. Among individual programs, the Senate bill would provide $300 million in funding increases for Title I and special education.
The top priority for Congress should be completing the appropriations process before the year ends and passing an education appropriations bill that ensures that each student gets the academic, mental, social, and emotional support they need to succeed.
Our schools face mounting challenges that require immediate federal support. Any funding uncertainty threatens our ability to serve our most vulnerable students.
Congress needs to hear from you! To send a message to your representatives, text “Finish” to 52886.
You’ll receive a link in response that you can tap to urge your members of Congress to complete the spending process and 1) Increase investments in Title I to support disadvantaged students; 2) Boost spending for Title II to strengthen teacher and leader effectiveness; and 3) Increase funding for IDEA State Grants to serve students with disabilities.
Save the Date
February 7, 2025 – NYSSBA Annual Capital Conference (Virtual)
This half-day morning virtual advocacy conference will feature conversations with state policymakers, a review of the executive budget proposal and other important information to support your local advocacy efforts. As we have done in the past, the event will be recorded and shared with our members. You can find registration details here when they become available.
February 12, 2025 – NYSSBA Annual Lobby Day (In-Person)
Join us for our annual Lobby Day at the NYS Capitol. We will provide a light breakfast, coffee, and talking points. Scheduling of legislative meetings is done by attendees. Registration will open later this year.
Become an Advocacy Liaison – Interested in taking on a more involved role in advocacy for your board in 2025? Join our advocacy liaison program! You can find more information here. Reach out to Danielle Grasso at Danielle.grasso@nyssba.org for questions and additional information.