“If we agree that “not every student is college-bound,” then they, too, deserve the same state-funded support as those who choose to attend college for their post-graduation future” April, 21, 2024 NY State Senator Monica Martinez martinez@nysenate.gov NY State Senator Alexis Weik weik@nysenate.gov NY Assemblyman Michael Durso dursom@nyassembly.gov NY Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre jeanpierrek@nyassembly.gov Dear NY…
Times Union OpEd: Legislature must reclaim the power it ceded to Cuomo
Published in Times Union January 6, 2021 On Wednesday, 40 state lawmakers will begin their first term with the traditional oath to support the United States and New York state constitutions. These freshmen lawmakers will have sworn their oath, however, at a moment when their power has been surrendered to the governor by their predecessors….
Times Union OpEd: Lawmakers have largely abondoned our school districts
Published in Times Union November 24, 2020 Unfunded mandates are not uncommon for school districts in New York, but what we are witnessing now — increased mandates with the threat of decreased resources — is a first. Our schools and those who support them have been essential in the fight during this pandemic. Yet for…
To The Graduating Class Of 2020
The 2019-20 school year was presented with its share of obstacles. For many, it was the school year that ended to soon but could not end quickly enough. The impact of a global pandemic was felt by all stakeholders, from educators to parents, and most certainly, students. Yet, we should not celebrate any less the…
Letter To Town of Babylon: Supporting Local Business
The initiatives taken in supporting local small businesses should extend beyond temporary fiscal relief or merely that of asking residents to shop locally. An ever-evolving relationship between government, local business, and community should be a long-term commitment and function of government. Town of Babylon Supervisor Richard Schaffer 200 E. Sunrise Hwy. Lindenhurst, NY 11757 CC:…
Times Union OpEd: Denying a child an education to promote a plan is troubling
Published in Times Union December 19, 2019 On the heels of the recently repealed religious exemption from immunizations, another public health bill has found its way into the New York state Legislature. And, yet again, this legislation would create another requirement that puts at risk the education of students who attend public school. In June…
Legislation Update: Suffolk County bus camera law allocates some revenue back to children
The Suffolk County school bus traffic violation camera resolution was approved on December 13, 2019. Having received unanimous bi-partisan support, the new law will take effect on January 1, 2020. The initial proposal of the resolution–in following state law–had none of the collected revenue from tickets and fees being allocated back to schools, education, or…
Letter To Albany: Proposed HPV legislation for education
The local community has expressed opposition to proposed legislation currently under consideration in Albany. If passed, the legislation known as S298B in the State Senate and A2912 in the State Assembly, would require children entering the seventh grade to receive a vaccination for the human papillomavirus (HPV). As a parent and resident of New York,…
Graft Podcast Interview: School Bus Camera Bill
Graft Podcast Interview October 8, 2019– I was honored to be invited as a guest on the Graft Podcast to discuss the recently passed school bus camera legislation. Graft is a weekly podcast exploring and exposing the systemic corruption, waste and abuse that infect New York’s political and governmental institutions. Co-hosts Flip Pidot and Jim…
Letter To Suffolk County Legislature: School bus camera revenue should go back to children
On August 6, 2019, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law Bill A4950B, amending current traffic laws and permitting school districts and transportation companies–in coordination with local counties and municipalities–to install safety cameras on school buses to record traffic violations. This measure is sure to have a positive impact on school bus safety, but under this…
Christopher Paolillo 