As the Legislature reviews Governor Andrew Cuomo's proposed $137.2 billion budget for the coming fiscal year, State University of New York Chancellor Nancy Zimpher is asking lawmakers to increase aid for the state's community colleges and university hospitals.
Zimpher told the panel of lawmakers at a budget hearing Thursday that $57.3 million is needed to fund nine projects at community colleges in the state. She also pressed for an increase of $250 per full time enrolled student for base operating funds.
Zimpher says lawmakers should consider doubling SUNY's $500 million infrastructure budget for technological innovations and to help influence private investments.
She also requested $600 million in capital investments for SUNY hospitals and $20.7 million in aid for some that have been ailing, particularly Long Island College Hospital and SUNY Downstate Medical Center.
© 2014 ap