Hochul urged to sign bill strengthening programs for kids with disabilities

State lawmakers and advocates on Tuesday urged Gov. Kathy Hochul to approve a bill meant to strengthen funding and expand programs in New York that serve children with disabilities. 

The measure is meant to provide fair and equitable funding to the programs and link it to aid given to public schools in the state. 

The bill was approved earlier this year with unanimous votes in the state Assembly and state Senate. On Tuesday, Democratic Sens. John Mannion of Syracuse and Andrew Gounardes of Brooklyn rallied with advocates from programs that serve kids with disabilities calling on Hochul to sign the measure. 

“There is a crisis at our 4410 and 853 schools that serve special needs children," Gounardes said. "Decades of disinvestment have left these schools underfunded and teachers underpaid and desperate to find new jobs. Teachers are leaving and students are left without support. We now have a chance to provide resources for those who need it the most.  The bill for tuition parity passed unanimously in both the Assembly and the Senate, it is imperative that Governor Hochul signs this bill.”

To view the full story, click here.