Bayside, NY – Today, State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing) and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) announced legislation (S3184/A4275) to create the Community College High-Technology Investment Program (C-CHIP) to fund educational, occupational, and training services at community colleges. The announcement was made at Queensborough Community College (QCC) where they were joined by Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein (D-Bayside), Assemblyman David I. Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows), and QCC Dr. President Dr. Diane B. Call.

“Assemblywoman Rozic and I believe that investing in our students is the best way to ensure long-term prosperity in our state,” said Senator Stavisky. “Businesses all over New York are clamoring for highly-trained graduates with associate’s degrees to become technicians and it is our responsibility to give students the best training to fill those positions. I taught at a vocational high school and I recognize the need for a skilled workforce. Funding C-CHIP strengthens not only our community colleges, but our state’s economy as well.”

The legislation is in response to the expansion of fields where complex technologies require access to modern, efficient facilities and equipment. Having access to these resources would provide students with the knowledge to succeed in high-technology sectors that foster economic growth.

“For students to take advantage of employment opportunities that require an advanced skillset, it is important that they are learning in an environment that will best prepare them for the careers they want to build,” said Assemblywoman Rozic. “Funding these programs is an investment that would boost workforce development and generate new businesses in Queens. I remain committed to modernizing the workforce into one that is consistently creating new opportunities for all.”

“I am proud to stand with my colleagues, Senator Stavisky and Assemblywoman Rozic, as well as QCC President Dr. Call, to announce the introduction of this legislation that would provide community college students with advanced technologies and improved lab facilities. This relatively small investment in our community colleges will pay for itself many times over in increased economic activity and new tax revenue,” said Assemblyman Edward Braunstein.

“Community colleges are the lifeblood of communities and our education system,” said Assemblyman Weprin. “Throughout its rich history, Queensborough Community College has been at the forefront of cultivating and developing leadership programs meant for students seeking or retaining occupation-specific employment in their respective fields. I applaud Senator Stavisky and Assemblywoman Rozic for introducing this progressive strategy to strengthen QCC’s long-term effectiveness by offering essential means to strengthen their educational, occupational, and training service programs. I will proudly cosponsor this important legislation.”

“I am delighted that State Senator Stavisky, Assemblymember Rozic, Assemblymember Braunstein, and Assemblymember Weprin visited Queensborough to announce legislation that will further support enhanced technology at community colleges,” said Dr. Diane B. Call, President of Queensborough Community College. “Queensborough continues to be recognized for its leadership in providing students the learning skills in current and advancing technologies, which provide current and prospective students the education to pursue promising careers in fields so important economically to New York City, and especially the borough of Queens.”