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 LEGISLATIVE ALERT

Vol. XIV, No. 12

VIA FACSIMILE

TO: New York State Association of Small City School Districts

FROM: Robert Biggerstaff, Esq.

DATE: April 18, 2000

RE: STATE BUDGET 2000-2001 (EDUCATION)

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          Tentative plans by Legislative leadership were to wrap negotiations on the State Budget up by today and complete passage of all Budget bills by Wednesday, April 19^th when Passover begins.  This schedule would have resulted in districts receiving State Aid runs this week in advance of the date on which the report card is due.

          Unfortunately, negotiations broke down yesterday between the Senate and Governor’s office, staff were sent home last night and, to date and time of this writing, no further progress has been made in drafting or finalizing Budget language.  Now the tentative timetable appears too ambitious and now it is probable that Budget negotiations may continue a few more weeks. Indication that this might happen was given at the end of last week when both the Senate and Assembly passed Continuing Resolutions for the support of State operations through April 30^th. While this is a temporary set back, we do not believe it will have major negative ramifications.  The overall parameters of the deal on education (e.g. minimum 2% increase in comprehensive operating aid and transition aid cap increases of 2.8% to 4.2% or 7.8% to 18%) remain in place.

          Some districts have in fact been given preliminary numbers on their individual aid runs and contact with your local legislators may give you more specific guidance on that.  In any event, as soon as runs become available, you can contact this office with any questions. ((518)-462-5300 phone, (518) 436-0210 fax, or reb@degraff-foy.com)