SUBJECT:

PURPOSE:

The Assembly Majority has always recognized that by investing consistently, adequately and wisely in education, we are also investing in the State's future economic wealth and human capital. That is why we have fought to provide our schools with additional resources and assistance to support them in their primary mission of educating our students. The Committee on Education is continually challenged to ensure that the public schools of this large and diverse State provide the range of opportunities that all students need and deserve to fulfill their potential.

On the initiative of the Assembly Majority, school districts statewide have benefited from funding provided for early childhood education, to address capital needs, and overall increases in general operating funds. The enacted 2006-2007 State budget underscored these commitments through the $2.6 billion Expanding our Children's Education and Learning (EXCEL) Program to address educational capital needs and an increase of $1.36 billion in education funding over last year. This historic State aid commitment allowed for the expansion of the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program and the continuation of programs such as the Early Grade Class Size Reduction Program.

As we prepare for the commencement of a new legislative session, the Committee on Education seeks to assess the educational opportunities that are being provided to students throughout the State and to explore other areas where the State could be focusing its resources to ensure that all of New York State's students receive the education to which they are entitled.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements. Written testimony will also be accepted and may be sent to the contact persons listed on the reply form. In order to publicize the hearing further, please inform interested parties of the Committee's interest in receiving written testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

PUBLIC HEARING REPLY FORM

Persons invited to present testimony at the public hearing on are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and return it to:

Jennifer Trowbridge
Committee Assistant
Assembly Committee on Education
Room 513 - Capitol
Albany, New York 12248
Email: trowbrj@assembly.state.ny.us
Phone: (518) 455-4881
Fax: (518) 455-4128

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