A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)
Albany’s budget negotiation season has begun, drawing hardworking representatives and advocates from across the state to secure provisions for their constituents in the upcoming fiscal year. My focus remains on ensuring robust support for New York’s children amid these discussions and debates. To that end, I’m proud to be co-sponsoring a bill for a statewide universal school lunch program, ensuring every student has access to nutritious meals while at school. This initiative is crucial, especially since the federal school meal program has struggled post-COVID-19 to maintain adequate food supplies. Not all students have families capable of providing sufficient nutrition, yet every student has the potential for greatness. For far too many students, these school meals are often the only food that a child will receive during the day. Additionally, I’m advocating for legislation to safeguard all children under 18 from harmful communication that could lead to emotional, mental, or physical harm. This proposal is in addition to other efforts in the Assembly that’ll provide better opportunities for troubled youth, and seeks to help reclassify minors as people aged 18 or younger, protecting them from being charged as adults in criminal cases. Providing guidance and support to disadvantaged youth is a priority I consistently support. As we navigate through the ongoing budget process, it’s imperative to recognize that while it predominantly revolves around fiscal matters, it also encompasses crucial policy considerations, such as the examples I’ve highlighted to help our kids. Rest assured, as this budget deliberation unfolds, I remain committed to amplifying your voices and advocating for our communities. Together, we’ll work to create a budget that reflects our collective priorities and aspirations. Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Goshen, Monroe and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website at www.yourfavoriteassemblyman.com
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