Plugged In To Education

October 1, 2024

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

What’s Inside

  • Governor Hochul Announces Nearly $90 Million to Support Critical Youth Mental Health Services
  • New York State Department of Health Receives $5 Million to Address Indoor Air Quality in Schools
  • Assembly Announces Public Hearing to Discuss the Statewide Central Register (SCR)
  • City University of New York Welcomes Judge Lippman’s Review of University’s Anti-Discrimination Policies
  • Latest Mega Millions Jackpot Delivers $41.5 Million for NY Schools and Lottery Retailers
  • Governor Hochul Announces $50 Million To Support Child Care Seats
  • Comptroller Report Finds New York’s Higher Education Sector Boosts State and Local Economies, But Job Recovery Lags
  • Governor Hochul Announces $36 Million Awarded to Create Permanent Supportive Housing Across New York State
  • Funding Opportunities
  • State Register
  • Coming Up

Governor Hochul Announces Nearly $90 Million to Support Critical Youth Mental Health Services

Governor Kathy Hochul announced awards amounting to nearly $90 million over five years to help six providers across the state establish services that provide critical support to youth struggling with complex mental health issues. Administered by the State Office of Mental Health, the critical time transition program will serve youth between the ages of 11 and 17 to help them utilize one-on-one support, provide stability for the child and their family, and help the child avoid extended stays in emergency departments or psychiatric emergency programs. Providers selected include:

  • Northeast Parent and Child in Schenectady County
  • ACCESS CNY in Onondaga County
  • Hillside in Monroe County
  • Rehabilitation Support Services in Orange County
  • Essex County ARC in Essex County
  • Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference in Broome County

New York State Department of Health Receives $5 Million to Address Indoor Air Quality in Schools

The New York State Department of Health and Health Research, Inc. have been awarded $5 million in grant funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address indoor air quality and greenhouse gas reduction in schools. The Department will use the funding to work with schools to increase knowledge and awareness of best practices related to indoor air quality and greenhouse gas reduction among school staff to protect children’s health throughout New York State. Funds will be used by the Department to expand the New York State School Environmental Health Program to help school facility managers self-assess and take appropriate actions to create healthier learning and working environments for all students and staff across New York State.

Assembly Announces Public Hearing to Discuss the Statewide Central Register (SCR)

On Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM the State Assembly Committee on Children and Families will hold a public hearing to examine the administration of the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. The Committee is interested in reevaluating the SCR and the reporting process to determine whether further improvements are needed. Oral testimony will be by invitation only.

City University of New York Welcomes Judge Lippman’s Review of University’s Anti-Discrimination Policies

The City University of New York welcomed an independent third party review of the system’s policies and procedures related to antisemitism and other forms of discrimination conducted by former Chief Judge of New York and Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals Judge Jonathan Lippman. According to the press release, the University looks forward to working with partners in government, community, philanthropy and the private sector to implement the recommendations and combat hate in all forms.

Latest Mega Millions Jackpot Delivers $41.5 Million for NY Schools and Lottery Retailers

The NYS Gaming Commissioner announced the most recent Mega Millions jackpot, while won in Texas, brought a combined $41.5 million for New York’s public schools and small businesses across the state. The Mega Millions jackpot rolled 28 times between June 5 and when the winning ticket was drawn on September 10, generating $101.1 million in New York ticket sales during the run. From the proceeds, New York State’s public schools receive $35.4 million, and Lottery retailers across the state earned $6.1 million in commissions.

Governor Hochul Announces $50 Million To Support Child Care Seats

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $50 million in funding awards to support an estimated 5,500 seats at child care facilities for New York families. The grants, supported through New York’s Child Care Capital Program, will be distributed to an expected 45 awardees across New York State. These grants will assist child care providers in creating or expanding the capacity of their programs and support approximately 5,500 seats across all awardees. Final awards will be based on successful completion of contracting and projects.

Comptroller Report Finds New York’s Higher Education Sector Boosts State and Local Economies, But Job Recovery Lags

A new report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli highlights the higher education sector’s importance to New York’s local economies and to the state’s overall economic health. The state’s 290 degree-granting, postsecondary institutions employed over 296,000 people, paying wages of around $26.5 billion in 2023, but the sector still has over 13,000 fewer jobs since the pandemic. In addition, since 2021, six private higher education institutions have closed, resulting in losses of 2,235 permanent jobs and $167.8 million in payroll.

Governor Hochul Announces $36 Million Awarded to Create Permanent Supportive Housing Across New York State

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $36 million has been awarded to five projects across New York State that will create 249 units of permanent supportive housing in Monroe, Steuben, Erie, Jefferson, and Kings counties for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness. The grants—awarded through a competitive process by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s (OTDA) Homeless Housing and Assistance (HHAP) Program—are an important component of Governor Hochul’s $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will help create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York State, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations.

Funding Opportunities

The NYS Department of Labor issued a 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 (OMH) announced 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 

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is seeking one vendor to manage a statewide Youth Advisory Board (YAB). The YAB is made up of young adults ages 18-26 with lived experience in New York State’s child welfare system, juvenile justice system, and/or who have experienced homelessness as a youth. YAB board members are compensated financially for their time. Due November 13, 2024 

The Office of Mental Health (OMH) announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the operation of an Apartment Treatment Program with capacity to serve 79 individuals housed in scattered site apartment units located in both New York and Bronx Counties. This program is currently operated by a not-for-profit agency and the successful applicant will be required to transition the existing residents and leases from the current provider. Due November 12, 2024 

The Office of Mental Health (OMH) announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the operation of an Apartment Treatment Program with capacity to serve 11 individuals housed in scattered site apartment units located in Fulton County. This program is currently not in operation, the successful applicant will be required to develop all housing units in Fulton County. All housing units target adults with serious mental illness or who have a co-occurring substance use disorder. Due November 12, 2024

The Department of Agriculture and Markets announced the Food Access Expansion Grant Program to provide capital infrastructure funding for projects that create and/or expand retail food stores, reduce food insecurity, increase market opportunities for New York State producers, and strengthen the resiliency of our state’s food system. Due November 22, 2024

The NYS Council on the Arts announced the following grant opportunities:

  • Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Culture: This opportunity funds projects initiated by nonprofit arts and culture organizations of any size, with grants of up to $2 million that prioritize accessibility, artistry, cultural development, sustainability, health and safety, and structural and historical improvements.
  • Large Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Culture: This opportunity will support arts and cultural nonprofits across the state that are undertaking impactful, large-scale capital improvements. Grants will range from $2 million to $10 million for projects that have a total cost of $4 million or more.
  • Capital Design Grants for Arts and Culture: This new opportunity will support the development of mid-stage and advanced design documents for arts and culture nonprofits with operating budgets of $10 million or less across the state that are planning eligible capital improvements and are currently in the early stages of design. Due January 14, 2025

State Register

State Education Department

  • Development and Implementation of Regionalization Plans (Emergency & Proposed)
  • Relating to the Calculation of Aid Attributable to Students with Disabilities Served in Charter Schools (Adopted)
  • Supervisor Requirements for Wholesalers Transfilling Medical Oxygen (Adopted)
  • Emergency Response Definitions for School Safety Plans (Adopted)
  • Social Work and Mental Health Practitioner Supervision Requirements, Acceptable Accrediting Bodies for Social Work Education Programs, and the Social Work Psychotherapy Privilege (Adopted)
  • Posthumous High School Diplomas (Adopted)
  • Establishing the Administrator Certificate and Extension to Work As a Superintendent (Proposed)

 Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

  • Technical Amendments to State Regulations Updating the Names of State Agencies and Replacing Obsolete and Stigmatizing Terms (Proposed)
  • Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs) for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (Emergency & Proposed)

Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services

  • Voluntary Certification of Recovery Residences in NYS (Adopted)

Coming Up

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.

The Assembly Standing Committee on Children and Families will hold a public hearing on October 9, 2024 in Albany to examine the administration of the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment.

2024 Regents Meeting Dates

October 7 – 8 (Monday and Tuesday)

November 4 – 5 (Monday and Tuesday)

December 9 – 10 (Monday and Tuesday)

 

State Board Meetings

Pharmacy: October 9, 2024 (New York City)

Dentistry: October 18, 2024 (Rochester)

Public Accountancy: October 23, 2024

Midwifery: November 1, 2024 (Albany)

Chiropractic: November 7, 2024 ( New York City)

Speech-Language Pathology: November 15, 2024 (Albany)

 

OTDA Meetings

October 2,2024, 1:30 p.m.: Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation (HHAC)

November 7, 2024, 1:00 p.m.: HEAP Block Grant Advisory Council (BGAC)

December 4, 2024, 1:30 p.m.: Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation (HHAC)

 

Not-for-Profit Contracting Advisory Committee (NFPCAC)

The Not-for-Profit Contracting Advisory Committee (NFPCAC) was established by §179-aa of the New York State’s Prompt Contracting Law, enacted in 1991 as Article XI-B of the State Finance Law. The goal of the Committee is to report to the Governor and the Legislature with recommendations on improving the contracting procedures with not-for-profit organizations, which receive state funds.

Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 1 – 2:30pm via Zoom

Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 1 – 2:30pm via Zoom

 

New York State Most Integrated Setting Coordinating Council (MISCC)

The Most Integrated Setting Coordinating Council (the MISCC), which was established by Chapter 551 of the Laws of 2002, is responsible for ensuring that New Yorkers of all ages with physical, intellectual, developmental, sensory, and mental health disabilities receive care and services in the most integrated settings appropriate to their individual needs.

December 11, 2024: 1:00 – 3:00pm

 

Disability Rights & Employment Awareness Month (DREAM) Symposium

NYS will host the third annual DREAM (Disability Rights & Employment Awareness Month) Symposium on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Empire State Plaza Concourse, 100 S Mall Arterial, Albany, NY, 12242

 

Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Board

Created via Chapter 171 of the Laws of 2022 and pursuant to Mental Hygiene Law § 25.18, the Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Board was established under the Office of Addiction Services and Supports to provide recommendations on how funding received by the Opioid Settlement Fund could be allocated.

October 8, 2024

October 28, 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.