Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) has helped pass a 2015-16 state budget that includes critical funding for upstate revitalization, including increased aid for higher education, public transit and local infrastructure.

“This year’s budget makes the necessary investments to help build an even brighter future for Central New York,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “This critical funding will improve our aging infrastructure and support our schools to ultimately bring new, quality jobs to the region.”

The budget includes investments in upstate infrastructure and job creation, including $200 million to fix aging water and sewage pipes. This money will help stem pressing local infrastructure problems like water main breaks. The budget also addresses some of the costs of an exceptionally long, harsh winter with an additional $50 million for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) to fix roads and bridges that have been damaged this past year.

Additionally, the budget makes critical investments in higher education and job training initiatives. Not only does the budget increase funding for SUNY community colleges by $100 per full-time equivalent (FTE) student, it includes an additional $1.15 million for CenterState CEO to support job growth and help train students in the field of advanced manufacturing. It also provides $3.6 million for critical maintenance to the SUNY Upstate medical campus.

“In this evolving economy, it’s important that we teach students the broad range of skills they will need for the modern workplace,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “Investments in higher education will not only help our students find good jobs, but will signal to businesses across the nation and globe that Central New York is primed for expansion with a skilled, prepared workforce.”

The budget also invests in public transportation systems, including an additional $25 million for upstate transit. This money will help the Central New York Regional Transit Authority (CENTRO) avoid service cuts so that riders who depend on public transportation can continue to get to and from work, and local businesses can depend on those workers. Securing this funding has been one of Assemblyman Stirpe’s top priorities. Earlier this year, the Assemblyman wrote to the speaker advocating for this much-needed funding, and prior to the passage of the state budget, he joined with 14 of his upstate colleagues to call upon the governor and the Senate to also include this vital funding in the final budget.

“Taken together, these investments in infrastructure, education and job training will help position us as a strong contender to win a share of the $1.5 billion in economic development funds that the governor has designated for three upstate regions,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “Central New York has so much potential for new growth and opportunities, and these investments in infrastructure and education will help make sure our region can take its place as a leader in upstate economic revitalization.”