August 29, 2023
Speaker Heastie Continues Annual Statewide Tour in Utica, Announcing $3 Million in Funding for Safe Schools Mohawk Valley, First Responders and the Val Bialas Ski Center
Pictured in the photo with Speaker Carl Heastie at the Safe Schools Mohawk Valley’s youth leadership program is Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon with students and staff members of the Urban Leadership Institute.
Speaker Carl Heastie continued his annual statewide tour today in Utica with Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon, where they visited the Safe Schools Mohawk Valley’s youth leadership program and announced $3 million in funding for the school, first responders and the Val Bialas Ski Center.
“Safe Schools is doing important work to ensure no child gets left behind in the Mohawk Valley,” said Speaker Heastie. “The Assembly Majority remains committed to supporting organizations who continue to work hard for children and families across the state, making sure each family has the tools they need to chart their future.”
“I’m proud to show Speaker Heastie the incredible work my community is doing to help our at-risk youth on their path to success,” said Assemblymember Buttenschon. “The Mohawk Valley is committed to making sure each child is given the services they need to succeed. This work often requires the help of our local first responders, who continue to struggle with recruitment. I’m honored this funding will not only be used to support our partners at Safe Schools Mohawk Valley, but will support our emergency responders as they continue their search for the next generation of heroes.”
Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Buttenschon toured the Urban Leadership Institute, a youth leadership camp at Safe Schools Mohawk Valley in Utica with Safe Schools Director Anne Lansing. Safe Schools Mohawk Valley works with at-risk youth and their families to help teens graduate high school and prepare them for a future of success. The Urban Leadership Institute is a free five-day conference for high school students to work on leadership and team-building skills, while building their resume for college or a career.
Of the $3 million in funding, part of the $1 million in funding will be headed to Safe Schools Mohawk Valley, while the rest will be given to local nonprofits and emergency responders to support their recruitment and outreach efforts. The other $2 million will be given to the Val Bialas Ski Center. The ski center provides locals snow tubing, sledding, skiing and ski instructions during the winter at no cost.