Press Releases

Assemblyman Ed Ra, At&T Present ‘It Can Wait’ Program

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As part of Garden City High School's Safe Driving Campaign, NYS Assemblyman Ed Ra addresses the students regarding the dangers of distracted driving. Assemblyman Ed Ra assists the students of Garden City High School as they sign the AT&T "It Can...

Ra Welcomes MMA To New York State

"New York State has some of the most iconic sporting venues in the country. I am encouraged by the prospect of seeing them packed with MMA fans. The passage of this bill is a long time coming. It includes important regulatory and safety provisions. It...

Ra Congratulates Rosa, Brown On Appointment To Board Of Regents Leadership Positions

“This morning’s nomination of Betty Rosa as Chancellor of the state Board of Regents has left me optimistic that our state’s education department is headed in the right direction. Fresh leadership is exactly what we need to generate a new direction...

Ra Appointed To Education Budget Conference Committee

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Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) has been appointed to serve as the Minority Conference representative on the 2016-2017 Education Budget Conference Committee. The committees will convene throughout negotiations to highlight priorities for this year’s...

Regents Elections A Mixed Bag For New York’s Education System

“The members of the Board of Regents play a critical role in framing the future of our state education system. Our students and educators deserve advocates who are open minded and willing to represent the unique needs of districts throughout the state....

Ra: Scholarship Opportunity Available For New York Students

Today, Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) announced that the New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators is now accepting applications for four $2,500 scholarships. The scholarships will be awarded in June at Italian-American Day, and...

Ra, Graf & Colleagues Call For More High School Diploma Options

Assemblyman Edward Ra (R-Franklin Square) and Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I-Holbrook) hosted an education forum on Thursday in the Hauppauge Legislative Auditorium sponsored by their Long Island Assembly Minority colleagues to discuss growing concerns over...

Ra: Scholarship Opportunity Available For New York Students

Today, Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) announced that the New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators is now accepting applications for four $2,500 scholarships. The scholarships will be awarded in June at Italian-American Day, and...

Ra, Long Island Colleagues Call On NY Reps To Oppose Nomination Of King As U.S. Secretary Of Education

Assemblymen Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square), Al Graf (R,C,I-Holbrook), Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) and Dean Murray (R,C,I-East Patchogue) are calling on U.S. Sens. Gillibrand and Schumer to oppose the confirmation of former New York State Education Commissioner...

Ra, Minority Conference Announce Plan To Help New York Students Prepare for College

This week, Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square), a member on the Assembly Higher Education Committee, advocated for a plan that would help current and prospective students plan for college. The legislation highlights the importance of providing financial...

Ra Calls For Greater Say In Selection Of Regents Chancellor

Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) has called for a change in regents by-laws, urging that new regents board members have a say in the naming of the next chancellor. Current Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch and Vice-Chancellor Tony Bottar have both...

Ra: Taking Action Against A Dangerous Epidemic

Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) joined members of the Assembly Minority Conference to introduce a report outlining the steps necessary to combat the heroin epidemic in New York State. With the help and input of the community, the final report...

State Of The State Leaves Much To Be Desired For New York’s Education System

“I walked away from today’s address with very few positives and several missed opportunities. While some meaningful proposals received detailed funding costs and explanations, the governor simply glossed over Common Core and the state’s education...

Ra: Reforms Needed To Increase Efficiency In Assembly Chamber

Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) expressed frustration with the lack of action on common-sense measures by the Assembly Majority. The package of rules reforms proposed yesterday by the Assembly Minority Conference would ensure greater public access...

Ra, Assembly Minority Leader Kolb Introduce “The Next Step” 2016 Education Agenda

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Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) and Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua) led a press conference today announcing an agenda to revitalize New York’s education system. The plan encompasses six major points that would bring necessary...

Ra Honors Franklin Square’s Newest Eagle Scout

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Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) joined in celebrating Franklin Square’s newest Eagle Scout, Liam O’Grady, at the Court of Honor ceremony held on Monday, January 4. The ceremony honored O’Grady, a member of Troop 93, for his impressive achievement. “It’s...

Putting an End to a Broken Cycle

“As the governor reviews and considers the Task Force’s recommendations, I am cautiously optimistic that this will mark a turning point in the fight to ensure appropriate educational standards and restore the trust of New York's parents and educators...

New York Should Join In Rejection Of Common Core

As another state begins to pull away from the Common Core Standards, Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) is calling on Gov. Cuomo to follow suit. Over the weekend, according to the New York Times, the state of Massachusetts’ commissioner of education...

Ra: NYS Must Work to Achieve Successful Common Core Overhaul

Following the unveiling of preliminary recommendations for the Common Core Curriculum, Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) has expressed frustration with the unenthusiastic response from the governor’s office. The recommendations from Education...

Ra Recognizes Troop 93’s Newest Eagle Scout

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On Monday, October 26, Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) joined members of Troop 93 and their families at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor. This ceremony honored Franklin Square’s newest Eagle Scout recipient, Noah Tomicich. “To become an Eagle...