Albany, NY (June 13, 2019) - This past month, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D- Far Rockaway) welcomed Agudath Israel of America and activists at the State Capitol who were advocating for the passage of Bill A09648. Sponsored by Pheffer Amato in the Assembly and Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. in Senate, this bill would amend a law to assist children with special education needs get the bus service to which they are entitled.

Currently, in order to receive transportation to and from school, parents must prove that the services their child receives matches with the education recommendations of the local Committee on Special Education (CSE). This often proves to be an arduous process for parents who have already spent countless hours with professionals to receive proper diagnoses and to determine the best setting for their children to be educated; Pheffer Amato was particularly touched by the plight of parents who must go through this process year after year, not knowing if their child will be approved for bus service. “Parents of children with special needs have enough on their plates,” said Pheffer Amato. “They should not have to prove that the services or programs their children attend are similar to the ones recommended by the CSE in order to receive transportation. The law should be clear and school districts should not be able to hide behind a loophole in order to deny transportation.”

Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato expressed her delight at the group’s advocacy, and their willingness to enlighten state legislators of the need for the passage of this bill. “It is promising to see this bill move out of the Education Committee following the visit,” Pheffer Amato said. “They were amazing advocates! I am thrilled to be working with the Agudath Israel on this important piece of legislation and to have met with so many wonderful families in Albany.”