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NEW EDISON PROJECT WOULD REKINDLE
TECHNOLOGY INTEREST
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Our nation is feeling the far-reaching effects of economic globalization and the loss of distinction as the leader in technological innovation. This is alarming because New York has always stood as one of the best places for higher education and as a leader of innovation.
Over the last decade, New York committed itself to new initiatives, programs and marketing that's transforming our state from part of the "rust belt" into a forerunner of technological innovation and creation. We've created Centers of Excellence and redefined regions with government incentives and names such as Tech Valley in the Hudson and Mohawk valleys and Silicon Alley in New York City.
Now comes the New Edison Project, an Assembly Republican plan to continue New York's commitment to innovation and education.
The United States just three decades ago was ranked third in the world in number of students between the ages of 18 and 24 receiving science degrees; that ranking has fallen to 17th today. Universities in Asian countries are producing eight times as many bachelor's degrees in engineering as the United States. In response, the New Edison Project would create an array of opportunities and programs to influence and inspire future generations of New York students in the study of the sciences and math.
By encouraging creation of public/private partnerships, providing tax credits for donations, and expanding the TAP program for math, science and engineering majors, the project would rekindle an interest in the next generation of students to explore the science and math fields.
The program would create distinct programs in our high schools to provide students with enriched math, science and engineering curriculum. Currently, school boards can create such programs but receive no special funding; the New Edison Project would provide monetary incentives to support and encourage them. As an added incentive to support math and the sciences, we propose private/public partnerships and foundations to help fund additional education. This initiative would be modeled after Project Lead the Way, a successful national nonprofit program that includes a four-year sequence of science courses focused on preparing students for the rigor and discipline of engineering and technology prior to entering college.
On the college level, the New Edison Project would create several initiatives that help our future math and science leaders by creating a loan forgiveness program for up to 500 students. These students' loans, up to $10,000 per year for up to five years, would be forgiven in exchange for a five-year commitment to work in New York in the appropriate field after graduation. Furthering the drive for technological innovation and creation, up to $2 million in grant funding would be available to graduate students in all sectors to pursue scientific research for their graduate or doctoral studies.
I will continue to work with my Assembly colleagues to push the New Edison Project in an effort to make New York a frontrunner in technology and innovation.
If you have questions about this or any other legislative matter, please do not hesitate to e-mail me via kolbb@ assembly.state.ny.us, phone (315) 781-2030, or visit my district offices in Geneva and Auburn.
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SENATOR NOZZOLIO ANNOUNCES SENATE PASSES 2006-07 EDUCATION, HIGHER ED BUDGET LEGISLATION
Includes a Record School Aid Increase of $1.26 Billion;
Rejects Proposed Tuition Hikes for SUNY/CUNY Colleges
Provides Nearly $24 Million in Increased Aid to Schools in Senator Nozzolio's District
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Albany - Citing the critical importance of ensuring our children are provided with a quality education, State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio announced that the New York State Senate today enacted the 2006-07 education state budget legislation that provides for a record school aid increase of $1.26 billion and an additional $2.6 billion in new school construction throughout New York State. The budget includes an increase of nearly $24 million from the 2005-2006 state budget to schools in Senator Nozzolio's District. The legislation also restores $83.65 to the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and rejects the proposal to increase tuition by $500 at SUNY State Operated Colleges and by $300 for CUNY Senior Colleges by providing $93,985,000 in additional operating aid and support.
"Nothing is more important than our children's education and this assistance is critical to ensuring that our children have the best possible education and our teachers have the resources they need to be effective," said Senator Nozzolio. "Given the financial challenges facing all levels of government, it is critical that the State provide the resources school districts need in order to keep a lid on local school property taxes."
"This budget contains the largest school aid increase in state history and is a win for both our children and real property tax payers. This additional aid provided by the state serves to reduce the local tax burden while also benefiting our children in the classroom," Nozzolio concluded.
For more information and a breakdown of the funding received by each school in Senator Nozzolio's District visit www.senatornozzolio.com.
The education budget also does the following:
> Sound Basic Education -- Provides a funding plan to spend $375 million in Sound Basic Education proposed by the Governor for high needs districts throughout the state;
> Teacher Resources and Computer Centers -- Restores funds to $37 million, an increase of $20.6 million;
> Teacher Mentor Intern Program -- Restores $6 million, a $4 million increase;
> BOCES Aid -- Provides a $58.1 million increase;
> Building Aid -- Increases funds by $96.1 million;
> High Tax Aid -- Provides a $20 million increase;
> Public Library Aid -- Aid to public libraries is increased by almost $6 million, to a total of $94.6 million and $14 million is included for library capital projects.
HIGHER EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS
The 2006-07 education, labor, and family assistance legislation provides the following:
> Tuition Assistance Program -- Restores $83.65 million, and creates a part-time TAP program to help more people, such as people working and going to school, achieve the goal of a higher education.
> SUNY/CUNY -- Provides $768 million for capital projects and increases operating aid at SUNY by $44.6 million and CUNY by $15 million to enable them to hire an additional 300 faculty members and advance other programmatic initiatives. The budget also increases Community College Base Aid above the Executive's proposal by $75 per full-time student at SUNY and CUNY Community Colleges and rejects the proposal to increase tuition by $500 at SUNY Colleges and $300 at CUNY Colleges by providing $93,985,000 in additional operating aid and support.
Other highlights of the 2006-07 higher education budget include:
> Provides $4 million for the Arts Exhibitions Revolving Loan Fund and Digitization Institute;
> Provides a 10% increase in funding for EOP, HEOP, SEEK, Discovery, and Liberty Partnerships Programs;
> Increases Bundy Aid for private school students by $2.9 million;
> Provides $2.07 million in added funding for Regents Professional Opportunity and Regents Health Care Opportunity Scholarships; and
> Provides $1.8 million in added funding for the Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship and Nursing Faculty Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program.
The Legislature's budget rejects proposals by the Executive that would:
> Increase full-time status from 12 to 15 credits;
> Deny TAP eligibility as a result of federal student loan defaults;
> Increase academic progress or good standing requirements;
> Require full-time attendance for students receiving TAP; and
> Require schools to pre-finance TAP for students without a diploma/GED.
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SENATOR NOZZOLIO CALLS ON ASSEMBLY TO ACT ON LEGISLATION TO CAP THE GAS TAX
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Albany-Citing the potential negative impact that increased gas prices will have on the tourism industry, State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio (R-Fayette) has called on the Assembly to pass legislation that he sponsored and adopted in the Senate that would place a cap on the State and local sales taxes on gasoline.
"The high cost of gasoline has placed a tremendous financial burden on consumers," Senator Nozzolio said. "As tourism season quickly approaches, it is essential that we enact legislation that will provide financial relief to New York State families who have no control over the cost of gasoline."
Senator Nozzolio is committed to doing all possible to limit the negative financial impact any gasoline tax increase would have on his constituents. Specifically, Senator Nozzolio's legislation would cap the sales tax on gasoline at two-dollars per gallon so that consumers will not bear additional costs if gasoline prices continue to rise.
Meg Vanek, Executive Director Cayuga County Office of Tourism said "The Finger Lakes region is largely a driving destination for tourists throughout the state and will be drastically effected by a hike in gas prices. I applaud Senator Nozzolio for his efforts to cap the State and local sales tax on gasoline."
Moe Koch, Seneca County Tourism Director said "The increase in gas prices will have a rippling effect on tourism this year by negatively impacting accommodations, wineries and the Outlet Center in our region. Senator Nozzolio has always been a strong advocate for increasing tourism in the Finger Lakes and I am pleased with his efforts to ensure that individuals will have the disposable income they need to travel to the popular destinations in our area."
Rob Gladden, President and CEO of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce said "I fully support Senator Nozzolio's legislation to lower the sales tax on gasoline. The rising gas prices are bound to have an impact on tourist plans this season especially with the increase in travel to the Finger Lakes region from bordering states."
Assemblymen Errigo, Finch, Kolb, and Oaks have all indicated they will support this legislation when the bill comes before the full New York State Assembly for debate and vote.
"In the past three years, the price of a gallon of gasoline has doubled. My legislation would immediately address the need to lower gas prices as families start to make travel plans for the summer vacation season," Nozzolio concluded.
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