Advocacy and Issues Development
NYAPT has engaged in advocacy for student and school bus safety for many years. We are proud to have been closely involved in many of the key laws and regulations that govern our state’s school transportation program and that keep our children and our school bus fleet safe and secure. As professionals, we accept the responsibility for advocating on matters of importance and for educating our public officials objectively and honestly about the needs of the school transportation sector. Our voices are important to the legislative and regulatory processes and we take our role in that arena very seriously. The safety and lives of our children are at stake.
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
The foundation for our advocacy program is our School Transportation Legislative Agenda which formulates key issues that we believe need to be considered for enactment by the State Legislature and the Governor. Click here to review a copy of our Legislative Agenda.
LEGISLATIVE MEMORANDA
On a regular basis, NYAPT also offers comments on a range of legislative initiatives and issues, including on agency regulations and specific legislation offered by members of the State Senate and State Assembly. Click here for a chart of legislation we are following in the State Legislature accompanied by recent memoranda in support or opposition to that legislation. Click here to review an index of bills and bill memoranda in summary format.
STATEMENT ON PROPOSED STATE BUDGET
Moreover, NYAPT annually issues a statement regarding the Governor’s Proposed Executive Budget in which we present our recommendations for ways in which the state budget might more effectively address the needs of school transportation services. To read a copy of our most recent statement on the state budget, click here.
MANDATE RELIEF DISCUSSIONS
Through extensive conversation with our members and chapters, we have compiled numerous ideas that could help in reducing the costs of transportation for the state and our school districts.
In April 2010, Education Commissioner Steiner shared with the State Board of Regents a series of mandate relief recommendations (CLICK HERE for a copy) that included ideas about school transportation. Upon the release of that list. the Commissioner sought further input from practitioners and stakeholders.
On May 7th, NYAPT presented a letter to the Commissioner that provided our reactions to that April listing and that offered a series of ideas that were generated by our members over the past year. We look forward to further discussion about our recommendations and encourage our members to share these with their local school leaders and others who might support them and assist in their realization. CLICK HERE for a copy of our May 7th letter to Commissioner Steiner.
PUBLIC POLICY POSITIONS
NYAPT also has begun to develop more formal and structured position statements on issues of importance in the school transportation industry. These statements do not deal with specific state or federal proposals but provide an industry and New York perspective on emerging issues or trends that affect school bus safety. Recent statements relate to seat belts on school buses, safe parking of school buses, cell phone usage on school buses, and training for drivers of special needs students. For additional information, contact the NYAPT office.
CONTACT WITH LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR
The State Senate and Assembly websites provide valuable and timely information on legislation, members of the legislature and committee activities. Click on either link to be connected to your State government.
www.assembly.state.ny.us
www.senate.state.ny.us
Visit the Governor's website for timely information and statements: www.nys.gov/governor
