SUNY seeks aid for colleges, hospitals

ALBANY — State University of New York Chancellor Nancy Zimpher is asking lawmakers to increase aid for the state’s community colleges and university hospitals.

Zimpher told the panel of lawmakers at a budget hearing Thursday that $57.3 million is needed to fund nine projects at community colleges in the state. She also pressed for an increase of $250 per full time enrolled student for base operating funds.

Zimpher said lawmakers should consider doubling SUNY’s $500 million infrastructure budget for technological innovations and to help influence private investments.

She also requested $600 million in capital investments for SUNY hospitals and $20.7 million in aid for some that have been ailing, particularly Long Island College Hospital and SUNY Downstate Medical Center.

The Legislature is reviewing Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed $137.2 billion budget for the coming fiscal year.