Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Hudson) announced that the state will increase reimbursement rates to special education providers by 3.8%. This critical funding will benefit 853 Schools and Special Act School Districts – many of which are located in the Hudson Valley. These programs ensure students with disabilities or special needs who might not be able to succeed in a traditional education setting receive a quality education.

“This commitment to special education is critical in providing a stable, healthy and nurturing learning environment for our most vulnerable students,” said Assemblymember Barrett. “The state has a responsibility to ensure all of our children receive a quality education. This funding will help ensure our special needs students receive the essential resources they need to succeed.”

853 Schools are operated by private agencies and provide day and/or residential programs for students with disabilities. Special Act School Districts are public schools that provide students who reside in child care institutions with a quality education. During the 2014-15 budget negotiations, Assemblymember Barrett, along with twenty-seven of her colleagues, advocated for these students and submitted a letter to Governor Cuomo urging him to include a 3.8% increase in funding for these providers in the state budget.

853 Schools and Special Act School Districts play a pivotal role in the Hudson Valley. With many programs with a long history located in the region, this sector provides a significant number of local jobs. Currently, nearly 700 people in the 106th Assembly District are employed by some fourteen different schools in the area, the most of any district in the state.

“The increase of 3.8% for private 853 and Special Act schools is welcome news after too many years of no increase. This investment is critical to ensure the schools can meet the needs of some of New York’s most vulnerable children,” said Neil J. Pollack, CEO/Executive Director of Anderson Center for Autism in Hyde Park. “I commend Assemblywoman Barrett, Education Chair Cathy Nolan, Subcommittee on Special Education Chair Shelley Mayer and their Assembly colleagues for their continued advocacy on behalf of our students.”