Contact Your State Legislators Regarding Opening Schools

Western New York Students First Members,

There are currently two bills in the New York State legislature that are advocating for a return to full time instruction after the Spring break. These bills, A6571 and S5718, are sponsored by state senator Ed Rath and assemblyman David DiPietro. Their wording is very similar, and I encourage you to read them if you have time. Many state legislators support this legislation, but right now they are not even scheduled for a vote. Below is a quote from Ed Rath on the importance of a resumption of in-person learning as an option for students.

“While some counties and school districts have made spacing adjustments on their own, a

unified approach is necessary. Additionally, it has been seen in other areas of the United States

that bringing back students does not contribute to significant community spread. I have also met
with the New York State American Academy of Pediatrics, who shared their support of this
measure. ”

Your action items:

1. Read the bills! They are short, and it's important to know what you are advocating for.
   
   
2. If you don't already know, find out who your state representatives are. You can enter your address at https://openstates.org/ny/legislators/ to find out. 
   
3. Call or email (calling is better!) your state representatives' offices, explain to them the impact that a year of lost social interaction and education has had on your children, and ask them if they will publicly support the following two bills. If you are unsure of what to say, we have provided a script you can use below.
   
   

"Hello, my name is <first and last> and I am calling as a member of Western New York Students First. I am a voter in <assembly member or senator>'s district.

Our schools have been shut down to full time, in person learning for over a year. My children, and the children in our community, are suffering from a loss of education as well as the mental health burdens of isolation.

My children's education is my primary focus as a voter right now. There are two bills in committee in Albany to relax distancing guidelines and allow students to resume full time instruction. Does <assemblymember or senator> support bills A6571 and S5718?"



A6571
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/A6571

S5718

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/s5718