Funding for school nurses in public, private and parochial schools in the City of Buffalo, which had been eliminated, has been restored by the New York State Legislature, thanks in part to efforts by Erie County Legislator Tim Kennedy.

Kennedy drove to Albany and lobbied for the restoration of the funding himself. "Kids should not have to suffer because of a tight budget," Kennedy said. The restoration is currently awaiting final approval by the Governor.

A licensed occupational therapist, Kennedy knows about children’s healthcare first-hand, having worked extensively with young people. Kennedy recently left that position to serve full-time in the Legislature.

"Tim did a great job in taking this fight to Albany," said New York State Assemblyman Mark Schroeder, who was instrumental in shepherding the funding restoration through the Legislature.

"This is an example of how working collaboratively with partners at the various levels of government can produce tangible results for South Buffalo and the other neighborhoods we represent," said Kennedy.

The proposal would continue the eligibility of the following schools in the Second Legislative District to be staffed by school nurses: St. Martin’s School, St. Ambrose School, St. Thomas Aquinas School, Trinity Catholic Academy, St. Agnes School, St. Bernard School, Discovery School (#98), Hillary Park Academy (#27), Houghton Academy (#69), Lorraine Academy (#72), School (#43), Southside Elementary School (#93), Triangle Academy (#28), Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School, Mount Mercy Academy and South Park High School.

Kennedy suggests that persons interested in advancing this issue write to the Governor and urge his support. Correspondence can be sent to the Governor at: Hon. George Pataki, Governor of the State of New York, Executive Chambers, State Capitol, Albany, NY 12224.

Freshman Legislator Tim Kennedy and his wife Katie, who are expecting their first child, reside on Tuscarora Road in South Buffalo.

Back to District 2 Homepage