STATEMENT ON BOARD OF REGENTS VOTE

Today, I voted against all the candidates who were nominated to fill the four open spots on the Board of Regents.

My vote serves two purposes. First, was to express my outrage with the Common Core roll out. Second, to voice my opposition to the methodology of how Regents are nominated and elected in our State. Currently, each member of the combined legislature, a total of 213 representatives, get a vote, therefore by virtue of the numbers the selection is controlled by the majority in the state Assembly.

I have introduced legislation, S.6377, which would take the process out of the hands of the legislature and give it to the people. My bill would allow the residents of the 13 New York State Judicial districts to elect their own regent.

This will give New Yorkers a greater say in the direction of the education of their children.