Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) announced that the Assembly passed their 2013-14 state budget proposal that would provides $110 million to SUNY hospitals, including Upstate Medical University, for an increase in support of $50 million.

Earlier this year Assemblyman Stirpe sent letters to both Governor Cuomo and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver urging them to restore what would be potentially devastating cuts to Upstate Medical in the final budget.

“Upstate Medical is one of Central New York’s largest employers, employing over 8,000 people. And it is the region’s only public academic medical center which provides local students who aspire to be a doctor a world class education at an affordable price,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “All told Upstate Medical pumps $2.3 billion into the Central New York economy year. By restoring these cuts we ensure that not only do students have access to a great education but we ensure that jobs are kept and our economy does not face another blow.”

The Upstate Medical University is not only a job producer for our region, but it also serves the health care needs of more than 1.8 million people in our area, with a reach that expands from the border of Canada to the border of Pennsylvania. Further, it is a hub for world-class medical research, especially innovative cures for cancer. Upstate Medical puts Central New York on the map in terms of medical care and research. SUNY-Upstate is also a great community partner and also provides a number of services that are vital to many families in our area, noted Stirpe.

“Upstate Medical is a key-partner in Central New York’s economy and well-being, and we can not afford to take another step back,” Assemblyman Al Stirpe said. “I have been fighting to get these funding cuts restored and I will continue to fight to ensure that this critical funding is included in this year’s final budget.”