While state senators went home last week without addressing mayoral control for New York City schools, anti-bullying legislation, marriage equality or unemployment insurance for part-time faculty, three important union-backed bills were passed:
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Senators approved a measure allowing 28,000 New York City home day care providers to become part of a health care plan.
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Senators also passed a bill that gives more flexibility in the use of funds for special act and 853 schools; lawmakers supported allowing the schools to maintain a four percent fund balance similar to traditional public schools.
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In a significant NYSUT win, lawmakers passed an extension of IDEA that preserves the due process protections for special education students.