This page relates to: Siena-Hudson Greenway Plan - Political Dimensions

Assemblyman Bob Reilly

• Committee on Education

2008 Annual Report

• The adopted 2008-09 State Budget includes a $1.75 billion (8.9 percent) increase in General Support for Public Schools for a total of $21.3 billion.  This is a $400 million increase above the Executive’s proposed budget.  In addition, the Legislature provides $85 million for the 2008-09 school year for other education-related programs such as libraries and adult education.  In addition to these funding achievements, the Executive’s proposed shift of $42 million in preschool special education evaluation costs to school districts was not part of the final budget agreement. 

•  New York State Center for Rural Schools  A.10201, Lifton; Chapter 616 of the Laws of 2008  This bill would reestablish the New York State Rural Education Research Program within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University as the New York State Center for Rural Schools (Center).  The mission of the Center would be amended to include the dissemination of research findings, information, materials and best practices in rural education.  The membership of the advisory committee would be increased by two members to a total of nine, with the Dean of the college of agriculture and life sciences at Cornell University gaining a new appointment and the Commissioner of Education gaining an additional appointment.  The remaining seven members would be appointed as follows: one by the Speaker of the Assembly, one by the Temporary President of the Senate, one by the Governor, and the four other members by the Commissioner of Education.  The committee’s responsibilities would include: • developing priorities for targeted research regarding rural education;  • facilitating the development of policy recommendations which may enhance access to education programs and practices in rural areas;  • promoting community and school involvement and collaboration; and,  • preparing an annual report.