Today Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Higher Education Committee Chair Deborah Glick announced $27.8 million in additional funding for the SUNY hospitals, and an appropriation of $3,485,000 to restore the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP).

The $27.8 million is to be distributed equally among the three SUNY hospitals. This funding helps these teaching hospitals deliver specialized, high-level care to tens of thousands of patients a year, and educate hundreds of medical professionals.

"After years of cuts, this funding ensures that our public hospitals can more easily meet their mission and continue to provide the highest level of care to all New Yorkers, regardless of income, and train our future health care providers," said Silver.

The restoration of $3,485,000 in aid to HEOP supports their critical goal of providing academic and supportive services to economically and educationally disadvantaged residents. That brings the total funding for HEOP to $24.3 million.

"In serving students who demonstrate potential but need support, education opportunity programs help New Yorkers achieve academic success and attain a college education," said Glick. "In supporting their education goals, we are helping to build a modern workforce for New York State."

Other Opportunity Programs, totaling $31.5 million in funding, to receive funding restorations include:

• The Liberty Partnerships Program received $1.7 million in restored funding for a total appropriation of $12.5 million.
• The Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) received a $1 million funding restoration for $10.8 million in total funding.
• The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) received a restoration of $778,000 for a total budget appropriation of $8.2 million.