An official from Cuomo’s office who called on condition he was just “background” has confirmed that the WSJ story is accurate and the governor will veto this bill today. Once the official word is in, we’ll expand the information.
(updated 10:18 a.m.)
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Gov. Andrew Cuomo plans to veto a bill on his desk right now that would require public schools to consider the family background and religion in making special education placements.
The legislature approved the bill on June 21 and sent it to the governor’s desk last week. He has until tomorrow to decide whether to sign it, veto it, or let it lapse.
Questions sent to the governor’s office regarding the Wall Street Journal story were not immediately returned.
Critics of the bill say it is an unfunded mandate that will cost public schools millions of dollars and illegally creates a system where public tax dollars go to fund religious institutions; supporters say it helps parents find the right program for their child.
Special needs children are assigned to programs based on their academic needs, educators said; state law requires they be sent to home district programs first, BOCES programs second and then private programs.only if the district and BOCES don’t have a proper program.Parents who want their children in private programs instead of district or BOCES programs now pay for them themselves.
The change, if approved, would put payment on the public schools.