Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C–Chautauqua County) is co-sponsoring legislation that would enable the University at Buffalo (UB) to implement a rationale tuition program, provide greater autonomy and flexibility for the administration of UB, and pave the way for UB’s proposed expansion. The legislation recently passed the state Senate with the support of Senator Catherine Young.

“In addition to being a world-class educational institution, the University at Buffalo has the potential to become a vaunted economic engine in Western New York,” said Goodell. “By allowing UB to control their operations and engage in public-private partnerships, we can simultaneously create employment opportunities in both the short- and long-term while empowering UB to elevate their already-sterling reputation as a stalwart of higher education.”

The legislation that recently passed the Senate included provisions that would control costs for students and their families. Annual tuition increases would be limited to a reasonable and predictable level, while financial aid would be increased for students in need. There would be no increased tuition for families earning below $60,000.

In addition, the initiative would produce immediate employment related to the construction of new buildings and facilities, and would provide incentives for some of the brightest minds in the world to relocate to Western New York in order to become involved with UB’s premiere research programs.

“The benefits of this legislation are truly two-fold,” said Goodell. “The region would almost immediately see thousands of job opportunities in the field of construction to support the university’s expansion. Additionally, the long-term benefits of having such a top-notch research facility in the region are astronomical.”

“That is why I am sponsoring this legislation, and that is why I am working tirelessly to gain the support of my colleagues in the Assembly that is needed to make this common-sense measure a reality.”