BINGHAMTON, NY (WSKG) - The New York State Assembly has released its budget priorities.
According to Finger Lakes Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton (D/WF-125), among those priorities for Democrats is more money for early childhood education and health services for "at-risk" children.
One change has been made to help schools facing an increase in children who need specialized health services.
"We’re adding the word ‘trauma’", she said. "Schools can say this child has been traumatized and we can use these extra funds to help this child."
Lifton said expanding “wrap around services” is intended to help rural and poorer school districts provide medical and mental health services. "[They] do a better job of serving not just the children, but the families of those identified ‘at risk’ children."
Lifton, who's a Democrat, represents all of Tompkins and part of Cortland County. Her party has more than a 2 to 1 majority in the Assembly.