Religious and independent schools throughout the city will soon receive additional funding for school safety equipment, thanks to Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi and State Senator Michael Gianaris, who, after extensive advocacy efforts, successfully secured $70 million from the New York State Budget for 2024-25 for Non-Public School Safety Equipment (NPSE) grants.
Hevesi, who represents the neighborhoods of Forest Hills, Middle Village, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill and Glendale— partnered with Gianaris last October to advocate for increased funding for school safety equipment. After engaging with Governor Kathy Hochul, their concerted efforts led to a significant boost in funding from the previous fiscal year.
