Bill > A00344

This bill modifies the lottery aid formula for school districts by updating how additional lottery grants are calculated for eligible school districts. Specifically, the bill changes the existing calculation method by introducing two new factors: a regional cost index and a pupil need index. The revised formula will now read: Base Grant x regional cost index x pupil need index x (1 + aid ratio), where the base grant is determined by the net total available moneys from lottery payments divided by the total aidable foundation pupil units of the state. The bill also replaces the previous method of calculating the aid ratio, which was based on the pupil wealth ratio, with a new calculation using the state sharing ratio for total foundation aid. These changes aim to more precisely allocate lottery aid to school districts by taking into account regional cost differences and the specific needs of student populations. The modifications are technical in nature and are intended to create a more nuanced and potentially more equitable distribution of lottery aid across different school districts in New York State.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A344