REMARKS
Council Member Paladino proposes legislation for veteran advocates in all schools
1:21:57
·
140 sec
Council Member Vickie Paladino discusses the potential for legislation to establish veteran advocates in all schools. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs of children from military families and the funding implications of such legislation.
- Paladino suggests that passing legislation would require the city to fund the program
- She estimates that a significant number of students in the school system might need help
- Commissioner Hendon acknowledges the idea, comparing it to existing advocacy programs for other communities in schools
Vickie Paladino
1:21:57
Well, that's not a whole lot, is it?
1:21:59
That's my point.
1:22:00
So if we were to actually pass legislation or bring some sort of bill to the floor, as I have introduced from 2022 because this young man was a vet, and he came in with some of his friends.
1:22:14
And they live in my area, and they are worried.
1:22:17
Some do not live in my district, and they are concerned.
1:22:20
This was something that really just fell right on my lap.
1:22:23
I did not expect that.
1:22:24
I didn't even expect I didn't even know this problem existed in 2022 about the troublesome the troubles that some of these kids are facing in school.
1:22:34
So I'd like that to be brought to the forefront.
1:22:37
The fact that there is legislation sitting right now in city council that me really should be looked at.
1:22:45
Outside resources for money, you know, I get it.
1:22:49
You gotta do that right now.
1:22:51
But if we were to pass legislation, then the city would have to fund you, wouldn't it?
1:22:56
It would have to fund your program.
1:22:58
Do I understand that correctly?
1:23:00
Yes.
1:23:02
Yes.
1:23:02
I
Lauren D'Mello
1:23:03
I don't know.
Vickie Paladino
1:23:06
If I put legislation in requesting that every school has a veteran advocate there so that they can, you know, train somebody to be in the school, to help these kids with special needs because they're from military families.
1:23:21
So if I put legislation in and it should get enough people to sign on and it goes to committee and it should pass on the floor, you don't have to worry about money because it's already which would be a very good thing.
1:23:32
Right?
1:23:33
We've got over a million kids or 8, 900,000 kids in our city school system.
1:23:38
Maybe 200,000 of them need help.
1:23:40
Maybe 150,000 of them need help.
James Hendon
1:23:42
I'll say counsel, I'm sure.
1:23:43
You know, this idea the MFA for us, how we came at it.
1:23:46
You know, we know that in schools, there are advocates for various communities.
1:23:50
You know, there's an advocate for our LGBTQ students.
1:23:53
It's an advocate for our students who are currently housing and secured.
1:23:56
There's an advocate for folks who experience bullying.
1:23:58
And so for us, The goal was to have something like this, but just for those who are military veteran affiliated.
Vickie Paladino
1:24:03
I agree with you a 100%, and I think it's worth a while for the city to take a look at this legislation that I haven't.
1:24:09
I just wanted to make you aware.
1:24:12
That there is something in there that the city is choosing not to look at.
James Hendon
1:24:16
Thank you, please.
