New York Senate Approves Legislation To Protect Schools And Local Governments From Unfunded Mandates

Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan (2^nd Senate District) announced that legislation prohibiting unfunded mandates from burdening local governments, schools, and their taxpayers has passed the Senate.  The legislation (S2295) would require certain state mandated programs imposed on municipalities and school districts to be funded by the state.

State mandated programs place local taxpayers and local officials in the position of paying for services for which they didn’t budget for.  These programs allow the state, rather than local officials, to set priorities for the locality, forcing municipalities to levy more taxes on their residents in order to pay for these state mandated programs.

Under the provisions of the bill, education law would be amended so that no unfunded mandate will be enacted if it creates a net additional cost on any school district or local government.

“It is imperative that as our state provides record school aid to support our students and to protect our taxpayers, that we do not undercut the efforts of school district leaders who strive to keep the tax levy lower.  Our role at the state level should be to secure funding and provide guidance to our school leaders without negatively impacting their budgetary and educational goals.  This legislation will protect our schools, our students and our taxpayers and I urge the Assembly to join us in this effort,” stated Senator Flanagan.

The legislation, which has passed the Senate prior to this year, was sent to the Assembly for further action.