New York State Police Troopers in Putnam and Dutchess Counties participated in a statewide initiative Thursday to increase school bus safety awareness through education and enforcement.  Troopers wrote a total of 13 tickets while following school buses in Southeast, Wappinger, and the town of Washington.  Seven of those tickets were for illegally passing a school bus.  An estimated 50,000 motor vehicles illegally pass New York State school buses every day.  The State Police will continue this kind of operation in an effort to ensure road safety.  The first-time fine for illegally passing a school bus is a $250 to $400 fine, 5 points on the license, and/or possibly 30 days in jail.