Sempolinski: The State Dems Blocked Bills That Would Have Helped Schools

FROM ASSEMBLYMAN SEMPOLINSKI: Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski criticized members of the Assembly Democrat majority for quashing bills in committee this week including a bill to let schools opt-out of New York’s looming electric school bus mandate and a bill drafted to help schools buy produce and products from local farms for school meals. “The zero-emission EV bus mandate is an unworkable, unfunded $20 billion mandate being forced down the throats of local school districts by Albany,” Assemblyman Sempolinski said. “I co-sponsored a bill, A.02005, that would give school districts an opportunity to opt-out of the zero-emission bus mandate, but it was killed in committee by members of the Democrat supermajority.” Under New York’s 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), school districts are prohibited from purchasing additional diesel buses starting in 2027 and all school buses must be zero emission by 2035. However, the EV buses are more expensive, heavier and lack the range of a diesel school bus. Testing has also found that the EV buses lose 40% of their battery charge in cold weather.

Another education bill that was quashed, A.7590, would have incentivized schools to buy products for school meals from New York state farmers, growers, producers or processors. “This is another common-sense bill that would be a win-win for our school children and local farmers,” Assemblyman Sempolinski said. “It was killed even though we all recognize the benefits of fresh, healthy, nutritious school meals.” Proposals offering college tuition for members of the reserved armed forces and a loan program designed to encourage young, graduated professionals in New York to become homeowners without falling into debt were also blocked.