ASSEMBLY BILL A6490A (25-26 Legislative Session)
WE STILL NEED 75 ASSEMBLY MEMBERS SIGNED ON AS CO-SPONSORS BY THE END OF NEXT WEEK (FRIDAY, MAY 30) FOR BILL A6490A TO BE CONSIDERED. CURRENTLY, THERE ARE 28 ASSSEMBLY MEMBERS SIGNED ON. THE SENATE IS SET TO BE CONSIDERED.
Reminder: Bill A6490A would require instruction in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all public-school students and taught by an appropriately certified teacher. Currently, Music (and the Arts) are designated as “regulatory”, meaning the subject matter is only recommended by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). NYSSMA has been advocating for Music (and the Arts) to match the status of other subject matter such as Mathematics, English, Physical Education, etc. and be designated as “statutory”. Music (and the Arts) would be treated like other subject matter and be included as part of New York State Education Law.
What Should You Do?
- At this point, call your local legislator’s office directly and ask for support of Bill A6490A. (Legislators are typically very friendly)
- You may easily obtain your local legislators contact information here by entering your address – Assembly Member Search | New York State Assembly
- Emphasize that the bill provides equity of access to music instruction regardless of your zip code and there should not be any financial impact.
- Request confirmation that the message has reached the legislator and if they are willing to support Bill A6490A.
- You may check if your local legislator is signed onto the bill at NY State Assembly Bill 2025-A6490A (scroll down to Co-sponsors)
We have the best chance of making this happen for students across New York State if the NYSSMA membership works together.
Thank you for your advocacy efforts!