Senator Kemp Hannon (R-6th S.D.) recently joined members of the Long Island Senate Delegation in support of the Truth in Voting Act. The measure ensures that school districts provide the public with clearly defined school budget proposals that include a detailed contingency budget, prior to the school budget vote.

The Truth in Voting Act is a budget reform measure designed to ensure greater accountability in school budget presentations. The Act would require districts to submit budget proposals that include itemized lists of programs scheduled to be trimmed or eliminated under a contingency budget along with the cost of each item. The bill also creates a new "school budget comparison card," which compares the prior year’s spending with the proposed budget, equipping voters with the information needed to cast educated budget votes. Both provisions would ensure that voters are not intimidated by laundry lists of programs and services that may or may not be cut if the original budget is defeated.

In addition, the Truth in Voting Act aims to enhance residents’ involvement on bond resolutions by requiring that they be voted on at the same time as the school budgets. The measure also prohibits school districts from disseminating information designed to influence the outcome of a particular vote or election.

"The Truth in Voting Act is very important legislation that will enable

voters to make informed decisions about their local school budgets," said

Senator Hannon. "By requiring school boards to clearly disclose all information relating to their budgets, this bill establishes a more transparent, accountable process."

Members of the Long Island Senate Delegation joined in support of the "Truth in Voting Act" at a recent press conference at Farmingdale State University of New York. Pictured, from left, are Senator Kemp Hannon, Senator Caesar Trunzo, Senator Michael Balboni and Senator Kenneth LaValle.