By Karen Belanger
A strong education is the foundation for our children’s future success, helping to close income gaps, build a skilled workforce, and strengthen the economy. However, if liability costs skyrocket due to the unintended consequences of a bill now sitting on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk, schools may struggle to provide the tools and resources students need to thrive.
Similar legislation has been vetoed twice before due to the potential to sharply increase liability insurance costs on school districts, municipalities and companies, small businesses, and hospitals. As written, the bill could seriously undermine the financial stability of local school district and government budgets.
New York families simply cannot afford higher taxes that would cover ballooning liability costs. Therefore, schools would be forced to divert critical funding away from improving the mental health supports, academic programs and enriching extracurricular opportunities that are essential to ensuring our children are prepared to graduate as well-rounded citizens
As many school districts are insured through reciprocal arrangements, other districts in the insurance consortium will be forced to pay awards, even if they are not the target of specific lawsuits. The increased cost of liability insurance will be borne by the students at all school districts.
Lawmakers should focus on addressing the real needs of New York’s students and educators. Public funds should be used to strengthen the foundation of education, ensuring that every child has access to the tools, teachers, and programs they need to succeed. When school resources are diverted to cover insurance and liability, it undermines our core mission: delivering the highest quality education for our children and ensuring they are properly equipped for the workforce and economy of the future.
Gov. Hochul has consistently demonstrated her commitment to protecting New York’s public education system, vetoing similar legislation twice before. By rejecting this bill once again, she can lead the way in encouraging lawmakers to develop a more balanced approach that safeguards the financial stability of our schools. In doing so, she will ensure that schools can continue to provide the opportunities every child deserves and help build a stronger, more equitable future for all.
Karen Belanger is the administrator for the Lower Hudson Education Coalition, a joint project of the School Superintendents and School Boards Associations of Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess counties.
