SBU President Urges Congress to Provide Robust Funding for Higher Ed, Science and Public Hospitals during Capitol Hill Visit

President McInnis met with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

On Tuesday April 16, Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis met with members of the New York congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. During the meetings, McInnis thanked the members for supporting cutting-edge defense and energy research in FY2024 federal appropriations, including $30M for SBU-specific research projects and $1M in congressional directed spending secured by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to test offshore wind-generated hydrogen for domestic heating and cooling. Additionally, McInnis urged Congress to provide increased federal funding for higher education programs, student financial aid, science research and public safety net hospitals in FY2025 federal appropriations.

President McInnis with Rep. Nick LaLota.

"Congress must provide robust and adequate investments in science and innovation, and specifically financial support for science agencies, to advance the U.S. leadership role in research development and technology. Additional areas that need Congress' attention include funding for financial aid to develop the workforce of the future and protection for our public safety net hospitals by preventing Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) cuts that will take effect early in the new year."

During the meetings, McInnis also provided an update on The New York Climate Exchange, highlighting the programming commencing this year that focuses on workforce development in support of New York City's Green Economy Action Plan; K-12 climate literacy; stormwater management strategies; coastal resilience; and financing strategies for local climate action. McInnis noted The Exchange is engaging with its partners to deploy novel environmental observation capabilities on Governors Island, as well as monitor storm surge flooding in New York City.

McInnis met with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Rep. Nick LaLota, Rep. Andrew Garbarino, Rep. Grace Meng and senior staff of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Stony Brook's Office of Federal Relations coordinated these meetings and works closely with the New York congressional delegation to advocate for all of SBU's federal priorities.

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