Even before the Berger Commission issued its recommendations that could lead to the closings of the SUNY-operated hospitals, UUP emphasized the importance of the hospitals in its 2007 legislative agenda. UUP’s Executive Board approved the legislative agenda based on recommendations from the union’s SUNY Outreach Committee.

Topping the union’s list of legislative priorities is a call to eliminate the funding crisis that threatens the vitality and integrity of SUNY’s hospitals.

UUP will urge state lawmakers to come up with a long-term solution that increases support to SUNY’s health science centers.

UUP also continues to press for additional full-time academic and professional faculty. The state budget for the current fiscal year provides for 380 new full-time faculty, but union President William Scheuerman hopes that momentum continues.

“SUNY Chancellor John Ryan’s budget request keeps SUNY moving on the right track by calling for additional faculty,” he said. “Let’s help bring that message to the Legislature to secure passage of the chancellor’s request.”

UUP will also push for more investment in campus needs to safeguard access, quality and programs that promote student success. Part of that effort is the call to fully fund enrollment growth.

UUP’s legislative agenda will be officially released at the union’s annual Legislative Luncheon Jan. 30 in Albany, an annual event attended by dozens of lawmakers, their staffs, and UUP members from across the state.

— Donald Feldstein