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History
- Referred to education
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Provides for aidable reimbursement for universal prekindergarten pupils in certain circumstances
In Assembly Committee · Education · Sponsor David Gantt
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to reimbursement for transportation costs for universal prekindergarten students under certain circumstances
Purpose or general idea of bill
This bill will allow school districts who are able to generate significant reductions in reimbursable transportation through employment of a variety of efficient practices to reinvest a portion of the savings to provide State Education Department reimbursable transportation to pupils enrolled in Universal Pre-Kindergarten programs (UPK).
Summary of specific provisions
The bill amends section 3622-a of the education law by adding a new subdivision 8, to permit school districts that have reduced reimbursable transportation costs by at least 5% year over year to reinvest up to 60% of the savings to provide State Education Department reimbursed transportation to UPK pupils at the level reimbursed for all enrolled school age pupils.
Justification
Prekindergarten Programs {UPK) provide opportunities for young children to participate in challenging, stimulating programs, designed to support their language, cognitive and social development while being sensitive to their strengths and needs.
Districts like the Rochester City School District have goals to enroll every four year old child within the District in UPK. To some extent, the lack of access to transportation for parents and students is a barrier to achieving this goal. And in some districts, getting to the UPK program can be exceptionally hazardous and/or unsafe, especially for children of this age.
State policy should provide incentives to districts to develop economies in transportation policy which conserve precious natural resources. By permitting districts who achieve at least 5% savings in year over year transportation costs to retain 60% of the savings to develop a reimbursable transportation program for UPK students, an appropriate balance of incentives and affordability is achieved which will save energy AND safely transport our most precious resources, our children.
Legislative history
New bill.
Fiscal implications
Reduced cost to the State. School districts who can meet the eligibility standards in the bill will save the State at least 40% of its savings.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.