ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)--Governor Kathy Hochul has made it clear she wants schools to be places where kids can learn without being distracted by their cell phones. In her proposed budget, Hochul allocates $13.5 million for cell phone pouches and cubbies to restrict the use of devices throughout the school day. The New York State United Teachers union supports the governor’s proposal.  "Given the youth mental health crisis that we are experiencing now in this country, we really need to take this very seriously and provide our students with seven hours a day free from these distractions to learning," said Melinda Person, NYSUT President. The New York State Senate wants to make some changes to the governor’s proposal, such as letting schools allow students to have cell phone access during non-instruction time.  David Albert, Communications and Marketing Officer for New York State School Boards Association, agrees. "There really aren’t too many uses for a cell phone in class, but that being said, there are certainly homeroom periods, lunches, breaks, other opportunities where students can use cell phones especially if they are in communication with a parent or they have to arrange for a change in schedule for transportation, so we think a bell- to- bell ban is somewhat draconian," explained Albert. Since the Assembly considers the issue to be policy based, it did not include restricting cell phones in its budget priorities. However, the chamber supports restricting cellphone use in school. Last Tuesday, Governor Hochul said she’s not backing down on her proposal. "I’m excited where we are, but I’m also not going to compromise our children’s health," said Hochul. "That means I am fighting for a full, all day long bell-to-bell distraction free environment." The final state budget is due on April 1st.  ...read more read less