The 2026 state legislation kicked-off yesterday, as both the Senate and Assembly gaveled into session for what was, and traditionally is, a mostly ceremonial day. Legislative leaders offered welcoming remarks to their colleagues and shared their priorities for the upcoming year. The legislature is scheduled to be in session in Albany for 60 additional days, with June 4th as the scheduled last day of session.
Below you will find NYSSBA advocacy materials to inform your work and support your local advocacy efforts.
2026 NYSSBA Legislative Priorities
2026 NYSSBA Position Statements
2026-27 Executive Budget Fiscal Recommendations
2026-27 Executive Budget Policy Recommendations
NYSSBA Governmental Relations regularly posts advocacy updates, materials and resources on our website. We encourage you to bookmark the site and visit frequently.
Governor Hochul Previews Prekindergarten Proposal
While the first day of legislative session offered very little in the way of public education updates, earlier today Governor Hochul announced her plans to significantly expand universal prekindergarten opportunities across the state. Over the past week, the Governor has been previewing her 2026 State of the State proposals. She announced her intent to “make pre-k truly universal statewide” by the start of the 2028-29 school year. To do so, she said the state would fund additional pre-k seats and would also increase funding for existing seats, bringing them up to the greater of $10,000 or the applicable school district’s current selected foundation aid per pupil. She indicated that the commitment would reflect an investment of roughly half a billion dollars.
Also part of the announcement, which covered a variety of child care and early childhood education issues, the Governor shared her plans to propose the creation of a new state Office of Child Care and Early Education. The office would “oversee and support roll out of universal Pre-K, continued investment in 3K, launch of 2-Care and other innovative care options, expansion and improvement of vouchers, and ongoing support for the workforce. "
Governor Hochul’s official 2026 State of the State address is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13 in Albany.
State and Federal Member Advocacy Opportunities
February 1-3, 2026 – NSBA National Advocacy Institute
We invite you to join us in Washington, DC for the National School Boards Association’s (NSBA) Annual Advocacy Institute. The event is focused on advocacy skills and federal priorities along with a Hill Day. Several members of the Governmental Relations Department will be on hand attending sessions and we will be scheduling meetings with members of the New York Delegation. To join us, you can find details here.
Friday, February 6, 2026 – NYSSBA Annual Capital Conference (Virtual)
Sponsored by Utica National Insurance Group
This half-day morning live 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.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 – 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. Legislative meetings are scheduled by attendees.
Welcome Amanda!
Lastly, we are excited to welcome a new intern in our department during the 2026 legislative session! Amanda Wilbur is a graduate student at the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, working towards her master’s degree in public administration. Amanda is originally from Watkins Glen, New York and previously earned a bachelor’s degree in public health from Hartwick College. She most recently held an internship with the Watkins Glen District Attorney’s Office. Amanda began this week, and she can be reached via email at amanda.wilbur@nyssba.org.