NEW SCHOOL YEAR OFFERS ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES FOR STUDENTS

NEW SCHOOL YEAR OFFERS ENDLESS
POSSIBILITIES FOR STUDENTS
Column from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I,Ref-Canandaigua)

With summer coming to a close, New York’s youngest residents will begin preparing to embark on another exciting school year; one filled with new friends, new classes and new opportunities. There are endless possibilities for students hoping to master a new subject, learn a new trade or participate in the numerous after-school sports programs and activities available.

And, for parents, school shopping season is in full swing. For too many New Yorkers, sadly, the cost of school clothes and supplies will put a serious dent in their wallets. Often hundreds of dollars per family, the school shopping rush has the potential to derail even the best-planned budget. I have long advocated for legislation to make shopping easier for both parents and teachers.

ASSEMBLY MINORITY CONFERENCE AIMS TO EASE SHOPPING COSTS

There are so many different components to a successful school year. From the basics like notebooks and pencils to computers, sneakers and so much more, the costs can really add up. Our Conference has offered a number of bills to help alleviate those costs.

Bill A.06883 would exempt computer hardware and software and school supplies from sales tax during certain weeks. Bill A.05917 would provide a tax credit for course-mandated supplies for eligible college students to help cover costs tacked on after room and board.

Further, many of New York’s incredible teachers go above and beyond for their students, spending much of their own money to help minimize the impact on the families in their districts. To help them, we have proposed bill A.04489, which would provide a tax credit of up to $500 for teachers who use their own money to purchase qualified classroom or teaching supplies.

BE VIGILANT OF BULLYING

Unfortunately, the new school year can also bring with it some new challenges. Bullying, and especially cyberbullying, has become a serious issue facing our students. The problem has even warranted the attention of first lady Melania Trump, who has become an advocate for those suffering from its devastating impact. For some guidance on how to deal with situations involving young, vulnerable New Yorkers, visit https://www.stopbullying.gov/.

No matter how difficult the situation, there are always paths to resolution and outlets for help. Bullying, like most problems, is addressed more easily when caught early. I hope none of you have to deal with these situations, but should they come up, I am confident that together, we can find a way to keep New York’s children safe.

@GOPLdrBrianKolb

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