Assemblymembers Zebrowski & Skoufis’ Full Day Kindergarten Bill Passes NYS Legislature

The bill passed both the Assembly and Senate today and would bring Universal Full Day Kindergarten to New York State

Assemblymembers Ken Zebrowski (D-New City) and James Skoufis (D-Woodbury) announced that both the Assembly and Senate have passed their full day K incentive legislation today (A.1625B/S.700B). The Senate has joined in passing the legislation, which has been approved by the Assembly every year since 2016. The bill increases conversion aid and provides multi-year funding to assist the five school districts out of over 700 in the State that currently only have half day kindergarten.

“Today, we are one step closer to achieving educational equality for all children and kindergarteners across New York State. I am thrilled that this bill has finally passed both houses. Assemblyman Skoufis and I have been pushing to implement full day K statewide for years now. It is unacceptable that some students in New York have less instruction at one of the most critical times in their lives. This is about equity, and we will push for this to be finally included in the budget,” said Assemblyman Zebrowski.

“We are approaching the finish line,” said Assemblyman Skoufis. “After years of passage in the Assembly, I’m delighted the Senate has joined us today in working to make universal full-day kindergarten a reality in New York State. Whether in the state budget or as an individual bill, future kindergarteners in the five remaining half-day districts are counting on us to get the job done this year. They deserve nothing less,” said Assemblyman Skoufis.

The legislation would change the current incentive program from a one year grant to a five year phase out, providing districts with both increased aid and flexibility to convert to a full day program. Since it was introduced several years ago, it has received significant support. A grass roots effort of local parents and teachers have come together to create the North Rockland Full Day Kindergarten Advocates. This local organization has now stemmed Statewide to include the other districts that only have half day programs. Over the past few years, the advocates have partnered with the Assemblymembers and have had several meetings with legislators in Albany as well as the Governor’s office to push for this bill.

“The parent advocates are thrilled to see the bill pass! We have worked for many years on bringing equity to all kindergarten students in NYS. Our local legislators have worked closely with our community to find a solution to the fiscal burden that the last five half day k districts face. We thank everyone for their ongoing support!” said Jen Teichmann, parent and president of the North Rockland Full Day Kindergarten Advocates.

This is the first time that the bill has passed the Senate. Assemblymembers Zebrowski and Skoufis have previously passed this bill in the Assembly, as well as secured enhanced full-day kindergarten aid in the Governor’s executive budget proposal for the first time this year. The Governor, Assembly, and Senate will continue to negotiate to include this funding in the State Budget.

“It’s a very exciting day because this bill had never passed in the Senate, despite passing in the Assembly last year. I am proud to have worked across party lines to get this done, and I applaud Assemblyman Zebrowski's efforts to get the bill voted on today in the Assembly," said Senator Carlucci.

“We are looking forward to building off of this moment to ensure that every child is afforded the education that they deserve. I thank Assemblyman Skoufis, Senator Carlucci, and the parent advocates, and I look forward to continuing to work with them. Today, we are one step closer to bringing Universal Full Day Kindergarten to New York State,” concluded Zebrowski.