Plugged In To Education

September 10, 2024

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

What’s Inside

  • $10 Million Program Launched to Increase Food Access for New Yorkers
  • Student Lifeline Act Signed for Colleges
  • Legislation Signed to Support Students and Parents
  • State Education Department Releases Preliminary Data on English Language Arts, Mathematics and Science State Exams
  • Task Force on Dyslexia And Dysgraphia Announce Public Hearings
  • Governor Hochul Directs College Campuses to Prepare for Fall Semester, Develop Emergency Safety Plans
  • Funding Opportunities
  • State Register
  • Coming Up

$10 Million Program Launched to Increase Food Access for New Yorkers

During Hunger Action Month, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the new $10 million Food Access Expansion Grant Program to help increase food access for New Yorkers living in areas without grocery stores and options for healthy, affordable food. The program will provide infrastructure funding to support the development and expansion of supermarkets, food cooperatives, permanent farm stands, and other retail food stores in underserved regions of the state while also increasing markets for New York farmers. The application period for the program opens today. Eligible entities to receive this funding include nonprofit organizations, public benefit corporations, local or regional development corporations, tribal governments, and local and municipal government agencies. Eligible applicants may partner with for-profit retailers.

Student Lifeline Act Signed for Colleges

This week, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation and announced a new statewide, multimedia campaign to help prevent suicide and promote mental health. Legislation S1865B/A6563A — the Student Lifeline Act — requires colleges across New York State to print information about the State’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on all student ID cards. In conjunction with Suicide Prevention Month in September, the Governor and the State’s Office of Mental Health launched a $5 million campaign to raise awareness of 988, which is free, confidential, impartial, and can be accessed any time of the day or night by phone, text, or chat.

Legislation Signed to Support Students and Parents

In conjunction with the beginning of the school year, the Governor signed the following pieces of legislation:

  • Legislation S.9701/A.10209 makes it easier for parents to save for their child’s college tuition by allowing for expanded uses of 529 accounts, in alignment with federal tax law.
  • Legislation S.9018A/A.9855A amends current law to require all school districts containing a high school to establish a process to include at least one ex-officio, non-voting student member on the board of education. The bill also removes the current law requirement that such a student member seat be authorized by referendum of the voters of the district.
  • Legislation S.9016/A.9934 reestablishes the name of the Syracuse Comprehensive Education and Workforce Training Center as the Syracuse Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) High School.

State Education Department Releases Preliminary Data on English Language Arts, Mathematics and Science State Exams

The State Education Department announced that preliminary data on the Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics (Math) assessments, and the Grades 5 and 8 Science assessments, have been released to schools and school districts to provide parents and families with their students’ assessment results and inform instructional decisions and individualized learning plans for students during the 2024-25 school year. The data are considered preliminary until they undergo the local district review and verification process, which will close on September 4, 2024.

Task Force on Dyslexia And Dysgraphia Announce Public Hearings

This year, a bill was passed and signed into law requiring the State Education Department to establish a task force to examine appropriate and effective evidence-based dyslexia and dysgraphia screening methods, reading interventions, and other educational supports for students in kindergarten through grade five. The task force must hold public hearings and prepare a comprehensive report of findings by December 22, 2024. NYSED announced the public hearings will be held: Monday, September 16, 2024 (Albany), Monday, September 23, 2024 (Zoom), Tuesday, October 1, 2024 (New York City).

Governor Hochul Directs College Campuses to Prepare for Fall Semester, Develop Emergency Safety Plans

Governor Kathy Hochul met with leaders from over 200 college and university campuses in New York State as well as public safety experts to reinforce the importance of emergency plans ahead of students returning to campus for the fall semester. With increased need to monitor and respond to campus protests and potential threats to student safety, Governor Hochul, State Police and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services met to reinforce expectations and connect campus leaders with necessary resources.

Funding Opportunities

The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for not-for-profit community-based organizations to support an Access and Visitation (AV) Program. AV Programs shall support and facilitate noncustodial parents’ access to and visitation with their children by providing counseling, mediation, parent education, development of parenting plans, and/or visitation enforcement. Due September 13, 2024

The New York State Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) announces a Solicitation of Interest (SOI) for qualified entities that provide Job Placement Services and/or Diagnostic Vocational Evaluation services to individuals who are legally blind. Due September 20, 2024

The Office of Mental Health, with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, is seeking proposals from not-for-profit organizations to operate Enhanced Step-Down Programs. These programs are for Adults with Co-Occurring Mental Health and Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities. They must include a specialized model of critical time intervention and transitional housing to support safe discharges from inpatient units and emergency departments. OMH intends to award five programs throughout the State serving: New York City, Western New York, Central New York, Hudson River, and Long Island. Due September 25, 2024

The NYS Department of Labor issued an Request for Proposals (RFP) for Work Readiness Training (WRT) to provide funding to eligible organizations to conduct work readiness training, the development of skills and behaviors necessary for any job, and the skills employers seek from their employees and job candidates. Work readiness skills are transferable skills that can help an individual adapt and perform in different work settings or careers. Due October 25, 2024

The New York State Office of Mental Health announces the availability of funds to support the expanded implementation of HealthySteps. It is anticipated that OMH will make up to 50 awards across the state. HealthySteps is an evidence-based program that delivers dyadic services to both young children (0-3 years) and their families in a pediatric healthcare setting, which is non stigmatizing and offers universal access. Due November 5, 2024

State Register

Office of Children and Family Services

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

  • Exemption of Earned Income and Public Assistance (PA) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment Program Requirements Updates (Adopted)

Coming Up

The Senate and Assembly will hold a joint public hearing on September 17, 2024 in Albany on the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program.

The Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry will hold a public hearing on October 8, 2024 in Albany to discuss the impact and effectiveness of Economic Development Programs funded in the enacted 2024-25 State Budget.

2024 Regents Meeting Dates

  • August – Recess
  • September 9 – 10 (Monday and Tuesday)
  • October 7 – 8 (Monday and Tuesday)
  • November 4 – 5 (Monday and Tuesday)
  • December 9 – 10 (Monday and Tuesday)

State Board Meetings

  • Medical Physics: September 5, 2024
  • Medicine: September 6, 2024
  • Professional Engineering, Land Surveying and Geology: September 12, 2024
  • Acupuncture: September 16, 2024 (New York City)
  • Mental Health Practitioners: September 20, 2024
  • Social Work: September 25, 2024
  • Interior Design: September 27, 2024 (New York City)
  • Optometry: September 30, 2024 (New York City)

NYSED Task Force on Dyslexia And Dysgraphia

  • Monday, September 16, 2024 (Albany)
  • Monday, September 23, 2024 (Zoom)
  • Tuesday, October 1, 2024 (New York City)

OTDA Meetings

  • October 2,2024, 1:30 p.m.: Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation (HHAC)
  • December 4, 2024, 1:30 p.m.: Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation (HHAC)
  • December 7, 2024, 1:00 p.m.: HEAP Block Grant Advisory Council (BGAC)

Not-for-Profit Contracting Advisory Committee (NFPCAC)

  • September 17, 2024
  • November 19, 2024

Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council (CPRAC) 

  • September 19, 2024

New York State Most Integrated Setting Coordinating Council (MISCC)

  • September 11, 2024
  • December 11, 2024

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.