This Week in New York State Government
Governor:
Governor Cuomo Presents His 2015 Opportunity Agenda
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo presented his “2015 Opportunity Agenda” at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. The Governor’s agenda is designed to restore economic opportunity, improve and reform our education system, and restore the public’s confidence and trust in our justice system. This plan is a bold and comprehensive package of legislative reforms, state actions, and public investments that will increase opportunity for all New Yorkers and keep the State moving forward.The Governor’s full 2015 Opportunity Agenda policy book is available here, and the corresponding presentation is available here.
Comptroller:
Comptroller DiNapoli Audit Highlights Need for Better Compliance with School Violence Reporting Law
The State Education Department (SED) has agreed to improve its enforcement of the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act (SAVE Act) after a state audit found schools failed to report numerous cases of violent and disruptive incidents and misclassified dozens of others, often as less serious events, State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said. The SAVE Act requires SED, school districts and individual schools to take steps toward providing a safe learning environment for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Under the act, public school districts must develop district-wide school safety plans and codes of conduct, and develop emergency response plans for each building.
Senate:
AThe New York State Senate passed legislation that helps give parents more choice in the education of their child. The Education Investment Tax Credit (S1976), sponsored by Senators Martin Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) and Simcha Felder (D, Brooklyn), creates new tax incentives for contributing to a child’s education, encourages investment in schools, and provides parents with more options in finding educational opportunities.
Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos said, “The Education Investment Tax Credit would give new educational options to parents and help schools and students succeed. This measure will continue to be a priority of our conference during state budget negotiations.”
