ALBANY -- Tuesday, we caught a brief glimpse into what a few select state agencies are hoping to see in next year's budget.
4 agencies were asked to testify before the Division of the Budget Tuesday including the State University of New York.
SUNY has had a rough time lately. The system's operating budget was slashed by $23 million. Campuses around the State are currently being notified of how much they will be expected to trim. And just a few weeks ago, SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher was called to testify before a Senate Panel that seeked an explanation for her decision to award raises and housing allowances to top staff. Tuesday's hearing however was to gauge the size of agency capital budgets, which is a totally different ballgame according to SUNY's Senior Vice Chancellor….
SUNY's capital budget is seen by many legislators as a catalyst for economic development. These are projects like a science and technology building at SUNY Fredonia, or a Rec Center at SUNY Brockport. Projects like these are proof of performance that legislators like.
The sluggish economy may be a boon for SUNY. The Vice Chancellor told reporters Tuesday that there is enormous competition among bidders to carry out construction