This page contains information on the New York State Legislature. The
Legislature consists of two houses: the Assembly, with 150 members; and the Senate, with 63 members. Each member represents a geographic
area to ensure every New Yorker has equal representation.
Perhaps NECSN's most important role is to advocate on behalf of charter schools to members of the Legislature. This advocacy includes promoting legislation favorable to charter schools, and
defeating bills detrimental to charter schools.
The New York Charter Schools Act of 1998 was enacted by the Legislature as part of the Education Law.
It authorizes the approval and operation of the state's charter schools. It is critical for charter school officials, faculty, trustees, parents and students to be familiar with their state legislators and cultivate relationships with them.