A Legislative Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)
I’ve always believed that our government should work efficiently, spend tax dollars wisely and support families by giving them the necessary tools to succeed. That’s why I’m proud to highlight a positive development in our own backyard: the expansion of the Universal Pre-K program in the Florida Union Free School District. Thanks to more than $400,000 in targeted state grant funding, Florida is growing its Pre-K capacity from just one classroom two years ago to three full classrooms for the upcoming school year. This will allow the district to serve up to 63 children—without waitlists and without additional cost to local taxpayers. This is a great example of how strategic funding can make a real difference for local families. Schools like Florida Union Free are putting state resources to use by expanding opportunities for children and families in our community. Early childhood education is a vital part of their learning and growth– it gives children a strong academic and social foundation that pays dividends down the road. Parents can get back to work with peace of mind, knowing their kids are learning in a safe, structured environment that reflects the values of our community. Golden Hill Elementary, where this Pre-K program is housed, offers a well-rounded experience that includes daily meals, art and music, physical education and field trips that connect classroom learning with real-world experiences—including visits to the Winslow Therapeutic Riding Center. These aren’t extras—they’re common-sense investments in confidence, communication and responsibility. Most importantly, Florida’s program is locally run and integrated right into the school community. This is not a one-size-fits-all state mandate—it’s a locally-driven initiative, supported by targeted funding that allows schools to meet the needs of their own families. Florida’s commitment to early education is part of a broader focus on long-term student success. The district has also been selected as a host site for the 2025 Empire State Service Corps Summer Program—offering college and career readiness workshops, tutoring and support for high schoolers preparing for the next chapter of their lives. Effective policies should be guided by results and the research is clear: students who attend school and Pre-K programs are more likely to do better academically, show up for school and graduate on time. That’s why I support programs like this to benefit families, children and make use of public resources. To the families in the Florida Union Free School District: If you have an eligible child, I encourage you to look into this program. Enrollment for the 2025–26 school year is now open. Strong starts build strong futures. Let’s keep working together to give every child a chance to succeed—right here at home. Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Monroe and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website.
