Elected officials from Western New York and UB officials gathered downtown on Friday to announce a bill that asks for Albany's support with the UB 2020 growth plan.
???The UB 2020 Flexibility and Economic Growth Act proposes changes in state policy to give the university more financial independence.
???"For UB 2020 to succeed, New York must change a battery of outdated laws that hold us and our community back," said President John B. Simpson. "I am very excited and proud to say that our Western New York delegation has shown tremendous initiative in taking on this challenge and turning these policies into a concrete, specific legislative solution."
???Citing a recent study that showed UB contributed $1.7 billion to the Western New York economy in the 2006-2007 fiscal year, Simpson argued that UB 2020 could turn the university into a driving force of the WNY economy.
???"UB 2020 is our region's big idea," Simpson said.
???Assemblyman Robin Schimminger and Sen. William T. Stachowski, senior members of the WNY delegation, will introduce the bill to the State Senate and Assembly.
???"UB is more that just another institution of higher learning in [Western New York]," Schimminger said. "It is the mission of Assembly Bill 2020 and Senate Bill 2020 to allow the University to be all it can be."
???Several other members of the WNY delegation expressed their support for UB 2020 at the rally.
???"When I hear that UB 2020 can create 10,000 jobs for [Western New York], including more than 6,000 non-faculty jobs up and down the income ladder, we all need to be a part of making that happen," said Sen. George Maziarz.
???Dennis Mullen, upstate president of New York State's economic development agency, the Empire State Development Corporation, also spoke in support of UB 2020.
???"We will be able to compete on a national basis as well as an international basis," Mullen said.
???One of the proposed changes included in the bill would increase tuition each semester based on the average tuition of other universities.
???"The lack of a state policy on tuition leaves our students unable to plan," said Marsha Henderson, vice president of External Affairs.
???Additional revenue generated by the increases would be used in the UB community, with up to 20 percent going to need-based financial aid for students.
???"Access without excellence is, simply put, discrimination," Simpson said.
???Other changes would allow the university more flexibility with construction projects, property leasing and purchasing, and would allow UB to purchase certain goods and services without prior approval from the state.
???Other speakers at the rally included members of UB's Parent Council and Student Association.
???New York State Sen. Dale Volker believes that the bill will pass simply based on the bipartisan support it received.
???"When we weren't divided we did a lot of great things," Volker said. "This rally is going to send shivers to Albany."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
