Assemblyman Mike Lawler has introduced a bill to adjust the regional cost index, which could potentially send more money to Rockland schools.

"For too long, Rockland County schools has been treated like schools in upstate New York, as opposed to Long Island and New York City, and it has cost us millions of dollars in direct state aid," said Assemblyman Mike.

He says the county deserves the extra funds because it pays more for teachers and programs compared to counterparts upstate.

Lawler says the increase, possibly more than $11 million in direct state aid for this year's budget, would come starting in April.

Right now, it's projected that a budget cut of more than $6.5 million will slash school aid to seven out of eight districts in Rockland County, including Pearl River.

But $11 million could help plug that gap --and then some.

Lawler says he is turning to his fellow Assembly members to co-sponsor the bill and eventually introduce it to the Senate.