Senator Espada on Mandate Relief Package Passed in the Senate

Press Contact: Steve Mangione cellular 914-403-4072

"This makes government more efficient by lifting unrealistic, burdensome regulations from school districts and providing schools with the flexibility to utilize resources more effectively for the benefit of children," said State Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada, Jr., a former teacher in the New York City public school system.

"There is no better example than the positive impact this will have on children in universal Pre-Kindergarten. This legislation will provide the flexibility to school districts, particularly when they are unable to fill allocated funding slots, to use unspent funds to create full-day Pre-K slots and support expansion of Pre-K transportation and academic programs at no additional cost to taxpayers," Senator Espada said.

"The demand for expansion of early childhood education and services has become even greater in this difficult economic climate as both parents of households are forced to work, sometimes multiple jobs, to make ends meet. Providing mandate relief is an investment in our children and working families," he added.