Press Releases

Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement after sending a letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul urging the state to fully fund repairs to fix the failing building conditions at East Ramapo Central School District's public schools. 

All 13 of the East Ramapo Central School district's public school buildings received a failing grade on their state-mandated Building Conditions Survey. The same assessment includes an estimate that it will cost over $230 million to restore the buildings to a point where they receive passing grades.

"I was appalled to learn of the failing building conditions at all 13 public schools in the East Ramapo Central School District," said Congressman Lawler. "It is simply beyond comprehension that the New York State Education Department, state-appointed monitors, and Albany legislature have let this situation go by without immediate action."

"We need action and we need it now," continued Congressman Lawler. "The public school students in East Ramapo deserve nothing less than a full-court press to ensure that their health and safety is not impacted by simply going to school."

"Today, I call on Governor Hochul to act immediately by either redirecting funds already at her discretion or by calling a special session and introducing legislation to provide the funds required to assist the district," concluded Congressman Lawler. "It is her duty as Governor of New York to provide safe and healthy educational environments for students, and I urge her to immediately address these deplorable conditions at one of the largest school districts in the state."

New York's 17th Congressional District is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.