Power & Politics: Outstanding state education bills and addressing harmful algae blooms
State lawmakers are pushing for the governor to sign several outstanding education bills that previously passed the Legislature.
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EDUCATION
It's still the middle of summer, but back-to-school season will be here sooner than we know it. As teachers, staff and students prepare to return to the classroom, state lawmakers are pushing for the governor to sign several outstanding education bills that previously passed the Legislature.
State Senate Education Committee Chair Shelley Mayer has four of these bills that she said would make a big difference.
"Quality, free public education to every child allows kids regardless of their zip code, their needs, their language to really fulfill themselves," she said. "We've got to continue to build that up and that's not just by money but by support."
One bill would require every school board to appoint a non-voting student member to ensure student voices are heard, another would ease the financial burden on districts transitioning to zero-emission buses over the next few years, a third would increase transparency on local industrial development agencies to include school board members on decisions that impact their budgets and the last would allow Special Act School Districts to improve their financial flexibility.
Mayer also discussed her thoughts on New York's social media algorithm law as well as a future bill that could restrict cellphone use in school.
ENVIRONMENT
State Assemblyman Matt Slater has been pushing for a bill that would define harmful algal blooms as a water contaminant and implement measures aimed at efficiently managing and mitigating the adverse effects of harmful algal blooms in marine and freshwater environments.
This summer several Westchester, Putnam and Long Island beaches have been closed for extended periods of time because algae made it unsafe for people or pets to be near the water.
“Every year, our communities are combating harmful algal blooms, and the problem is now reaching every corner of the state, Slater said.
The bill would develop emergency protocols to address instances of harmful algae blooms and establish a commission to develop regional monitoring and response plans.
The proposal would also direct Cornell University to complete a study of harmful algae blooms and provide the findings to the governor, Legislature and state agencies.
The bill has bipartisan support.
