Oberacker Bill to Provide Relief to Oneonta School District Passes Senate

ALBANY, 06/08/21 -- State Senator Peter Oberacker (R/C – Schenevus) today announced senate approval of a bill he sponsors to assist the Oneonta City School District.

Senate bill 396 corrects a clerical error and will assist the Oneonta City School District by preserving $400,000 in state transportation aid due to the school district.

“This is the first bill I introduced as a state senator and it embodies one of my main priorities – to assist our local schools and municipalities when they are in need,” said Senator Oberacker.  “Without this piece of legislation, the Oneonta City School District would be facing a $400,000 hit on their budget that would be devastating for the school, local taxpayers, and most importantly our students.”

Senator Oberacker’s legislation would correct an oversight in the application process for the district's transportation aid for the 2019-2020 school year, when the district did not file its application for transportation aid to the state education department in a timely fashion.

“The Oneonta City School District has a strong track record when it comes to contractual submissions and required paperwork.  This inadvertent oversight involving one item should not lead to an overwhelming penalty that would significantly harm student programming and services,” Senator Oberacker added.

The bills must still be adopted by the state assembly before being sent to the governor for final approval.

Companion legislation has been introduced by Assemblyman John Salka. 

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