Note from John Laing:

This morning’s paper has an article entitled “Gantt blocks Assembly bill for school aid”. http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2016/05/24/gantt-blo...

I called Mr. Gantt’s office and one of his staff said that Mr. Gantt was not “blocking” the bill, but that Mr. Gantt would not add his name to fully support it.

Please consider calling (454-3670) or emailing David Gantt’s office (GanttD@assembly.state.ny.us ) and urge him to strongly support the Rochester School Modernization Bill. Mr. Gantt’s objection to the bill on Monday, “could lead to a significant delay or reworking of the $435 million second phase of …program”.

Advocate for all the projects, but keep in mind that school 16 is the first school on the list to be renovated using these funds.

Thanks,

John Laing

Chair, Schools Committee

19^th Ward Community Association

The big delay we have seen in getting work started on School 16 renovation has centered on getting a 10 year renovation allotment to avoid having to do the work in two chunks 5 years apart.  This bill was going to permit doing the renovation all at once.  We need to have it pass.  Our kids have already been out of their Post Avenue school since 2012 when the building was closed and they were shipped across the City to temporary quarters.  It will take at least 2 years to renovate Building 16 once the legislation is passed. 

Please contact David Gantt and other NYS Assembly and Senate Members to press for the bill passage.

Their contact info is:

Assemblyman David F. Gantt, Roch: 585-454-3670,  Albany: 518-455-5606,  GanttD@assembly.state.ny.us

Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle, Roch: 585-467-0410, Albany: 518-455-5373, morellej@assembly.state.ny.us

Assemblyman Harry B. Bronson, Roch: 585-244-5255, Albany: 518-455-4527, bronsonh@assembly.state.ny.us

State Senator Robach, Joseph E., Roch: (585) 225-3650, Albany: (518) 455-2909, robach@nysenate.gov

State Senator Ranzenhofer, Michael H., Williamsville: (716) 631-8695 / (585) 454-0322, Albany: (518) 455-316,  ranz@senate.state.ny.us

State Senator Rich Funke, Roch: (585) 225-3650, Albany: (518) 455-2215, Funke@nysenate.gov