Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli (D-Syracuse) today announced the Assembly passage of legislation he authored to create a Manufacturing Competitive Grants Programs. The bill (A.10482) authorizes the New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research to award competitive grants to colleges and universities in New York for cooperative projects with small manufacturers. The legislation is part of the Assembly’s NY@Work economic development plan.

"New York State is particularly well suited to capitalize on the potential for manufacturing growth; possessing a skilled and educated workforce, strong educational institutions, and an exceptionally powerful research and development capacity," said Magnarelli. "Small manufacturers provide positive opportunities for renewed growth, yet many small manufacturing firms operate below their potential, due to limited budgets, lack of in-house expertise and lack of access to the newest technologies – this legislation will correct many of these problems."

The grants created by this bill will be awarded to projects with the greatest potential to enhance the competitiveness of the manufacturer and lead to job creation or retention. This program will help to develop the next generation of innovative manufactured products, apply technology to improve the productivity of small manufacturers and help ensure the viability and future global competitiveness of New York’s small manufacturers.

"Our state has a wealth of resources – both natural and human – that are simply not being used to their full potential," said Magnarelli. "Strengthening our economy has always been one of my top priorities in the Assembly and I will continue fighting to bring good paying jobs to New York – particularly the hard working families here in Central New York."

This legislation builds upon Magnarelli’s strong record to bring economic stability to Central New York. He has worked very hard to help secure funds for the following programs:

• $37 million for the Syracuse Center of Excellence
• $100,000 for the Syracuse University Renaissance Internship & Recruitment Program, which retains talented, educated students for the local economy; and
• $240,000 for the daVinci program, which attracts high-tech workers to the area.

"As chairman of the Legislative Task Force on University-Industry Cooperation, I’ve been working to stimulate job growth by linking New York’s fine universities with local businesses," said Magnarelli. "I urge the Senate to pass this bill and the governor to sign it into law immediately."