Senator Montgomery Passes Bill To Create School Based Health Center Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JUNE 15, 2018

SENATOR MONTGOMERY PASSES BILL  TO CREATE SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CENTER FUND

Last week, Senator Montgomery’s bill to createa personal income tax check-off box for donations to a newly formed School-Based Health Centers Fund (S4487-B/A2660-B Ortiz) passed the Senate. The bill, which passed in the Assembly in March, now awaits the Governor’s signature.It is anticipated that this legislation will create at least $2 million in new revenue for School Based Health Centers across New York State.

Senator Montgomery’s bill creates an additional stream of funding for School Based Health Centers (SBHCs) by allowing individuals to donate to the fund through a personal income tax check-off box. Revenue generated would be deposited in the "School-Based Health Centers Fund" in the custody of the Comptroller to be used by the Department of Health to fund expansion of medical services at existing school based health sites or to establish new sites.

“Every year we have to fight for School Based Health Centers in the budget. I am so happy to see my colleagues supporting this bill to create a new funding opportunity for our centers. The healthcare SBHCs provide takes an enormous burden off parents who cannot miss work or afford insurance and copayments. Our youth already go through enough without having to worry about where to get health care.” shared Senator Velmanette Montgomery. “I have 20 centers across my district and I cannot express how heavily families rely on being able to access these centers, especially mental health services.”

New York leads the nation in School Based Health with 255 centers, 158 of which are in New York City. SBHCs provide healthcare to over 200,000 children including primary, dental, mental, and reproductive health care services, on-site in their schools. They provide access to care to every child who enters their door regardless of insurance or immigration status.SBHCs help children manage chronic conditions such as asthma and emergencies are easily avoided. SBHCs save the State money through prevention and improve the academic performance, graduation rates, and health outcomes of young people throughout New York.

Contact:

Shakti Robbins-Cubas

State Senator Velmanette Montgomery

cubas@nysenate.gov

718-643-6140