Statement from Senator Kennedy on Legislation to Protect Services for Children with Special Needs and Save Local Jobs

Governor signed legislation that will keep Hopevale open

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Senator Timothy M. Kennedy (D-58th District) released the following statement regarding the announcement Thursday that Governor Andrew Cuomo signed important legislation that will keep Hopevale School open to serve Western New York children and save 50 local jobs.

“As a licensed occupational therapist, I understand how important it is that we protect and support our children with special needs. Throughout my occupational therapy career, I worked with children to ensure they develop the skills to help them thrive every day.

“Each of Western New York’s students are extraordinary, and it is critically important that we empower our children to fully succeed in every aspect of their lives. We do that by teaching them the skills they need in a way that best suits their learning style and their abilities. Today, we’re announcing that the state government has stepped up to protect the children here at Hopevale and to make certain that they will maintain access to a learning environment that will help them succeed.

“By securing approval of this legislation, we have ensured that Western New York children will continue to receive the high-quality education they deserve while helping to save about 50 jobs with no fiscal impact on the state.

“I thank my colleagues in the State Legislature for their advocacy on behalf of students with special needs and the Governor for signing this important bill. I am also very grateful to the Randolph Academy and Hopevale for their commitment to our children and for working hard to make this day a reality.”