Albany, NY – This week, Joint Legislative Budget Hearings continue in the New York State Assembly, with State lawmakers gathered to hear testimony from State officials, industry experts, and advocates from across the state to examine and offer modifications of the proposals set forth in the Executive Budget proposal. Hearings begin today, with SUNY Chancellor John King, New York Community College Trustees Chairperson George Cushman, and Education Commissioner Betty Rosa, among other advocates that are all slated to testify to Members of the Higher Education Committee.

“As a Member of the Higher Education Committee, and former Dean at Mohawk Valley Community College, I understand the importance of providing educational and vocational opportunities for individuals to be a part of a vibrant workforce. Focusing on the proposed funding for our public colleges and universities, today’s hearing will provide an opportunity to ensure our State investments continue to increase the accessibility and sustainability of higher education and professional workforce development for students across New York.”

The Governor’s Executive Budget has proposed All Funds appropriations of $14.7 billion for the State University of New York (SUNY). The Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), which administers the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) providing financial assistance to approximately 280,000 students, is proposed to receive $1.05 billion under the Executive's budget. For SUNY Community Colleges, the Executive provides

$492.4 million, an increase of $15.7 million, including $36.7 million for the New York Opportunity Promise Scholarship, an $8.5 million increase that expands access to high-demand fields and students pursuing nursing degrees.

“In our district, I am honored to represent both the private and public institutions, whom for the students across Central New York and the Mohawk Valley, represent real opportunity, and a path forward to a career, financial stability, and to a future they can be proud of. I am encouraged by the Governor's continued commitment to supporting them and as we move through the budget process, I look forward to working with my colleagues to build on that foundation and ensure our institutions have the resources and support they need to serve every student who walks through their doors.”

Today's Higher Education hearing is the first in a series of Joint Legislative Budget Hearings scheduled throughout the week. Following today's testimony from SUNY, and education leadership, hearings will continue with a focus on the Governor's workforce development and labor proposals, examining investments in job training, apprenticeship programs, and the initiatives aimed at strengthening New York's workforce pipeline. Members will also examine the Executive's housing proposals, including funding for affordable housing development, before concluding the week with a review of economic development and small business proposals, focusing on the investments and resources available to help local businesses grow and thrive. Assemblywoman Buttenschon looks forward to continuing to engage with testifiers throughout the week to ensure the voices of the Mohawk Valley families, employees, and businesses are heard as the Legislature works to craft a final budget that reflects the needs of our state’s residents.

“I appreciate all those that will be testifying this week, as their expertise is necessary for us to prepare the One-House Budget in response to those in need,” said the Assemblywoman. “The budget hearings will continue with labor and workforce development, as well as housing. As Chair of the Committee on Small Businesses, we will hear from many small businesses and their supporting agencies to define the resources necessary for them to succeed. The Governor's Executive Budget proposes $4.9 million in Entrepreneurial Assistance Program funding, $12 million for technology matching grant programs, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program, and $5 million to support new technology adoption for small and mid-sized manufacturers, as well as targeted investments to support local business growth and job creation. To that end, I will continue to advocate increased support for the New York State Innovation Hot Spots and Incubators, in addition to resources for the Centers for Advanced Technologies (CATs) and Centers of Excellence, which together help drive economic growth by creating connections between universities, industry, and government to advance research and commercialization, while providing mentorship and resources to new business entrants.”