Plugged In To Education

July 3, 2023

Coverage of updates in lower education, higher education & human services.

What’s Inside

  • Governor Hochul Reacts to Supreme Court Decision Striking Down President Biden’s Student Debt Plan
  • Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Announces Resignation
  • Willow Baer Returns to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
  • Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Application Period Extended
  • State Education Department Releases Framework for Safe, Supportive, and Affirming School Environments for Transgender and Gender Expansive Students
  • Governor Hochul Announces $13.2 Million for School Technology and Security Enhancements
  • Student Athlete Name, Image, and Likeness Bill Signed into Law
  • Scholarship Program Launched to Support Individuals Looking to Enter or Advance in Addiction Services Workforce
  • SUNY Transformation Fund Announced
  • Advocacy Groups Launch “New York Can End Child Poverty” Website
  • New York State Department of Health Promotes Child and Adult Care Food Program
  • Funding Opportunities
  • State Register
  • Coming Up

Governor Hochul Reacts to Supreme Court Decision Striking Down President Biden’s Student Debt Plan

On Friday Governor Hochul released the following statement, “Student loan debt has devastated generations of students who worked hard to earn a college education. This Supreme Court decision puts that weight back on the shoulders of students and graduates across America, especially people of color and women who disproportionately carry higher levels of student loan debt. Across New York’s SUNY and CUNY systems, nearly 60 percent of full-time resident undergraduate students attend school tuition free and we will continue doing everything we can to make higher education more inclusive, accessible, and affordable for everyone.”

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Announces Resignation

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz announced last week he is resigning from the Office effective July 25, 2023, for personal reasons. “I am forever grateful to Governor Hochul for having provided me the opportunity to lead this vital agency and wish her and the administration continued success.” Tietz said in his statement.

Willow Baer Returns to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities

The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) announced Willow Baer has returned to the Office to serve as the Executive Deputy Commissioner. Willow returns to from an interim position as Assistant Counsel to the Governor and from her role as Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel at the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Prior to working with OCFS, Willow spent six years at OPWDD, most recently serving as Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel. According to the press release, her wisdom and experience will the Office advance the priorities and goals that our stakeholders helped us shape in OPWDD’s 5-year Strategic Plan.

Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Application Period Extended

School Food Authorities (SFAs) who are interested in participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) must apply during the New York State Education Department (SED) open application period which has been extended to August 31, 2023.

State Education Department Releases Framework for Safe, Supportive, and Affirming School Environments for Transgender and Gender Expansive Students

The New York State Education Department released a framework and legal update to support schools in fostering an educational environment that is safe, supportive, and affirming for transgender and gender expansive (TGE) students. The framework provides legal updates and best practices to facilitate compliance with state and federal laws concerning bullying, harassment, discrimination, and student privacy.

Governor Hochul Announces $13.2 Million for School Technology and Security Enhancements

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the approval of 48 Smart Schools Investment Plans focused on reimagining education in an evolving age and boosting school security. The Smart Schools Review Board recently met for the 20th time to consider investment plans submitted by school districts and special education schools. The plans approved by the Board were submitted by 45 school districts and one special education school. Projects include $7.9 million for high-tech security, $4.7 million for classroom technology, $356,000 for school connectivity, and $275,000 for nonpublic schools’ classroom technology and school connectivity.

Student Athlete Name, Image, and Likeness Bill Signed into Law

Last week Governor Hochul signed into law New York’s name, image, and likeness bill (Chapter 154 of the Laws of 2023) in which student-athletes will now have the ability to receive compensation, helping the state attract student-athletes.

Scholarship Program Launched to Support Individuals Looking to Enter or Advance in Addiction Services Workforce

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of a new scholarship program, which makes nearly $3 million available to individuals pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Addiction Studies or the education requirements for a New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports credential at Alfred State College, Stony Brook University, and Empire State University. This partnership, led by OASAS, is designed to help individuals working in OASAS, Office of Mental Health, or Department of Health Certified programs obtain either a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor, Credentialed Prevention Professional credential, or bachelor’s degree in addiction studies to enter or advance their careers in the addiction services profession.

SUNY Transformation Fund Announced

Governor Kathy Hochul announced guidance to advance the $75 million SUNY Transformation Fund to improve student success, support innovation, and help meet the state’s future workforce needs. The Transformation Fund is designed to help students stay on track toward a college degree or credential with proven, cost-effective supports, while addressing housing and food insecurity, and increasing economic mobility. As approved by the SUNY Board of Trustees, all SUNY campuses will receive funding during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Advocacy Groups Launch “New York Can End Child Poverty” Website

This week the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy announced the launch of New York Can End Child Poverty, an online hub for data, resources, and research on poverty-fighting policies that work. The site includes resources from the NYS Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council, data on child poverty rates in New York State, and a searchable Resources library. The site will also host a blog focused on child poverty reduction efforts and public policy recommendations.

New York State Department of Health Promotes Child and Adult Care Food Program

The New York State Department of Health announced it received more than $157 million in federal reimbursement funding to support the State’s 2022 Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The Child and Adult Care Food Program is a nutrition education and meal reimbursement program helping providers serve nutritious and safely prepared meals and snacks to children and adults in day care settings. Reimbursement is based on qualifying meals and snacks served to enrolled participants.

Funding Opportunities

The Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) is seeking proposals for the creation and implementation of a statewide Community of Practice (CoP) on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Developmental Disabilities. The CoP will be comprised of an Advisory Group and a minimum of 5 Regional Teams who will meet regularly and receive training on DEI. Due July 7, 2023

The New York State Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) announces a Solicitation of Interest (SOI) for Comprehensive Services for Legally Blind Consumers to provide a variety of rehabilitation services specifically tailored to the needs of individuals who are legally blind. Due July 7, 2023

The State Education Department announces the opportunity to receive funding to support the employment of an instructional coach to enhance instructional support and capacity within schools through the 2023-24 Title I School Improvement Grant 1003 Coaching for Excellence. Due July 15, 2023

The Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) of the New York State Education Department (NYSED) is seeking proposals for the provision of Core Rehabilitation Services (CRS) to individuals with disabilities interested in obtaining, maintaining or advancing in employment. Due July 17, 2023

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is pleased to announce funding for projects that will implement state assistance funding through the Environmental Justice Community Impact Grant program to not-for-profit corporation (NFP) community-based organizations for projects that address exposure of communities to multiple environmental harms and risks (“projects”). Due July 26, 2023

New York State is soliciting applications for funding to advance the priorities of the Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC) through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA). Full solicitations, application materials, and program webinars are available online at http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov. Due July 28, 2023

The Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) is seeking applications for the development of Evidence-Based Prevention Education Programs throughout the State of New York. In coordination with the Office of Mental Health’s (OMH) school-based clinics and the New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Office of Innovation and School Reform, applicants will need to partner with one of the eight schools that have been identified on NYSED’s receivership list (see Section 1.3), as well as having an OMH school-based mental health clinic operating at the school. Due August 3, 2023

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) announces the availability of funds for an experienced program administrator/agency/community-based organization to implement Intensive and Sustained Engagement Teams (INSET) in four locations throughout New York State to better meet the needs of vulnerable community members. Due August 15, 2023

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) has released a request for proposals (RFP) to solicit competitive applications for the Community Credible Messengers Initiative (CCMI). This initiative is aimed at improving the safety and well-being of children and families through the development of regionally located credible messengers (CMs) and parent partners (PPs) as part of a core group of services strategically connected to OCFS Community Multi-Services Offices (CMSOs). This procurement seeks to establish CCMI teams in the Buffalo, Rochester, Mid-Hudson, and Long Island regions. Due August 16, 2023

The State Education Department announces individual school districts, individual BOCES, a consortium of school districts, a consortium of BOCES, or any combination of these entities may apply for either or both Mental Health RECOVS Grant and Learning Loss RECOVS Grant to support schools in addressing student well-being through expanding mental health supports in schools and/or addressing learning loss exacerbated by the pandemic. If applying for both, a separate and complete application must be submitted for each grant. Due August 18, 2023

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) announces the availability of funds to support the expanded implementation of HealthySteps (HS). It is anticipated that OMH will make up to 70 awards across the state, contingent upon availability of funding. This funding is specifically designated for new sites, with the goal to expand the capacity of pediatric and family medicine practices to implement HealthySteps, prioritizing practices in counties with the highest percentage of children in poverty. Due October 3, 2023

State Register

State Education Department

  • Licensure of Licensed Behavior Analysts and Certification of Behavior Analyst Assistants (Emergency)
  • Temporary Practice by Certain U.S. Servicemembers and Servicemembers’ Spouses Licensed or Certified in Another State (Emergency & Proposed)
  • Requiring Concussion Management Protocols in Nonpublic Schools (Emergency & Proposed)
  • Universal Prekindergarten Program (UPK) Staffing Qualifications (Emergency & Proposed)
  • Indigenous Culture and Language Studies Certificate (Adopted)
  • Pilot P-20 Partnerships for Principal Preparation Program (Adopted)
  • Requirements for the Endorsement of a Certificate as a School Counselor (Proposed)
  • Registration and Operation of Central Fill Pharmacies (Proposed)
  • Special Education Due Process Hearings (Revised & Proposed)
  • Extending a Flexibility for Incidental Teaching (Emergency & Proposed)
  • Licensing Examination and Testing Accommodations in the Profession of Architecture (Emergency & Proposed)
  • Removes Requirement that a Postdoctoral General Practice or Specialty Dental Residency Program Experience be Clinically Based (Emergency & Proposed)
  • Student Teaching Requirements for Registered Teacher Preparation Programs and Through the Individual Evaluation Pathway (Adopted)
  • Continuing Education Requirements for Licensed Optometrists Certified to Prescribe and Use Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents (Adopted)
  • Educator Certification for Candidates from Another State or Territory of the United States or the District of Columbia (Adopted)
  • Special Education Due Process System Procedures (Adopted)
  • Employment of Substitute Teachers (Proposed)
  • New York State Learning Standards (Proposed)

Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services

  • Voluntary Certification of Recovery Residences in New York State (Proposed)

Office of Children and Family Services

  • N/A

Office for People with Developmental Disabilities

  • Gender Identity and Expression (Adopted)
  • Protection of Individuals Receiving Services (Adopted)
  • Eligibility Determination (Adopted)

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

  • N/A

Coming Up

The Board of Regents will meet:

  • July 17 – 18 (Monday and Tuesday)
  • August – Recess
  • September 11 – 12 (Monday and Tuesday)
  • October 16 – 17 (Monday and Tuesday)
  • November 13 – 14 (Monday and Tuesday)
  • December 11 – 12 (Monday and Tuesday)

Plugged In to Education is prepared by Hinman Straub P.C. and is intended to keep our clients informed about news and Legislative and regulatory developments that may affect or otherwise be of interest to them. The comments contained herein do not constitute legal opinion and should not be regarded as a substitute for legal advice. If you prefer not to receive these updates, please alert us so we may remove you from our distribution list. © Hinman Straub P.C. 2020. All rights reserved.