Senator Martins Huddles With School Leaders to Talk About the Budget, Mandate Relief

Senator Jack M. Martins met with school board leaders from throughout the 7th Senate District in Albany to strategize about state aid to schools and mandate relief. Trustees from Franklin Square, Floral Park, New Hyde Park, Sewanhaka, East Williston, North Shore and other districts met with Martins and briefed him on school issues and concerns. The discussion with local education leaders was “positive, proactive and a frank exchange between public education advocates and the Senate,” said Senator Martins. "It’s great to know that I have real partners in education that not only care about our young people, but understand that people are truly hurting economically in our communities.”

Local school board leaders Dave Fowler, Laura Ferone, Trish Rudd, Jean Fichtl, Joe Armocida, Amy Byer and Jennell Horan met with Martins in his office. During the discussion, school trustees expressed their support for mandate and pension relief initiatives. In addition, the school advocates discussed state budget issues. Later that day, Senator Martins joined with Senators Dean Skelos and Hannon in voting "Yes" for the Senate budget resolution that restored over $280 million in school aid.