Outreach & Engagement

Legislative Update February 5, 2008

February 5, 2008

SUNY Day

SUNY Day is Tuesday, February 26, 2008. Senate Majority Leader Bruno has confirmed as a luncheon speaker. We are awaiting final confirmation from Governor Spitzer. Speaker Silver remains uncommitted at this time. All campuses are urged to complete the registration form and return to Teare VanDerburgh by 2/20.

Summit Follow-Up

Our thanks to all who attended the recent GR/PR Summit. We are preparing follow-up materials which will enhance and clarify many of the questions that were raised during our discussions on state and federal lobbying requirements. Please contact Stacey Hengsterman if you have any additional questions on any of the topics. stacey.hengsterman@suny.edu

Budget Hearing - Last week Interim Chancellor Clark presented SUNY's official budget testimony before the Joint Senate/Assembly Fiscal Committees.

In addition, here is our updated summary of the 2008-09 SUNY budget priorities.

Hearings

Assembly Person Glick will conduct her second and final hearing on the NYS Commission on Higher Education in NYC this Friday. Vice Provost Pedro Caban will testify on behalf of the University. A panel of SUNY Presidents presented testimony a the 1/24/08 hearing in Albany. Our thanks to President Fanelli, Nassau Community College; President Hefner, College at Fredonia; Interim President Philip, UAlbany; President Cross, College at Morrisville; and President Smith, Upstate Medical University for representing the State University.

Senator LaValle held a hearing on his proposal to create additional financial aid resources for middle income students. Interim Chancellor Clark presented testimony on behalf of the State University. At this time, no legislation has been introduced.

Trustee Linda Sanford

The Senate last week confirmed the appointment of Linda Sanford as a Trustee of SUNY, replacing Trustee Father John J. Cremins whose term has expired.

Legislative Alumni Caucus

Last week the first gathering of the SUNY Legislative Alumni Caucus was held in the state capitol. Over 35 of the 51 members of the caucus attended this inaugural event. The next meeting of the Caucus will be a breakfast session with campus presidents the day after SUNY Day, Wednesday, February 27 in the Albany Room at the Empire State Plaza.

While not everyone in attendance is represented in this group photo, we thought you would be interested.