Senator Hellmings urges state to fund mandates, cites rising school costs

Senator Sarah Hellmings used floor time to press the chamber on the fiscal pressures facing schools and taxpayers, saying that a mix of state mandates and requirements — including utilities, health care, insurance and all‑electric policies — is increasing costs for districts and constituents.

"If the state is going to mandate it, the state should pay for it," Hellmings said, recounting comments she heard from students at a Monroe County School Board Association event and urging fellow senators to consider Republican conference school safety plans and other approaches that would not impose unfunded obligations on local budgets.

Hellmings described the effect as “double digit cost increases” for schools and taxpayers and framed the issue as one of fairness and fiscal responsibility. The floor statement did not include a formal motion, nor was a response recorded in the transcript.

The comment came during routine calendar business; the Senate proceeded to complete its roll calls and adjourned until Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 3 p.m.