Power & Politics on Sunday, March 31 will cover two topics: the push from state lawmakers to tackle issues with busing kids to school and Sue Serino delivering her first State of the County address.

BUSING PROBLEMS

The East Ramapo Central School District is facing a massive $20 million budget deficit for the next school year and one of the main issues is the massively high cost of transporting students to and from school.

The district is unique because a majority of the students attend private schools.

State Sen. Bill Weber (R, 38th District) is pushing a bill that would force the state to pick up the tab for school districts' transportation costs if more than a quarter of the students attend private school.

"We need to take action now. We don't want the educational experience of the public school student to be majorly impacted any more than it has been," Weber said.

The bill is still in the New York state Senate Education Committee.

DUTCHESS STATE OF THE COUNTY

First-term Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino recently delivered her first State of the County Address.

She outlined her priorities for her first year in office as well as the future of the county in the speech.

"Dutchess County truly is a great place to live and work, and it’s because of the people who call this community home. Our entire team here at Dutchess County Government continues to go above and beyond to enhance our quality of life. It’s because of the work they do every day that I am proud to say the state of Dutchess County is strong," Serino said.

Her speech focused on youth initiatives, public safety, and affordability.