Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) announced today that Binghamton University will receive $3 million in state funding to conduct detailed planning for a new law school. Lupardo worked with State Senator Thomas Libous (R-Binghamton) to secure the money in the adopted 2008-2009 New York State Budget.

"We are very grateful to Senator Libous and Assemblywoman Lupardo for their support of this initiative, which is significant for both Binghamton University and the community,” said Lois DeFleur, President of Binghamton University. “This funding will be very important in moving this project forward. This initiative is important for Binghamton University because it provides educational opportunities for our students."

The start-up money for the planning of a law school will enable the university to develop curriculum plans, determine where it will be located and study the economic impact a law school could have on the community. The planning work is necessary, since approval for a law school must be granted by the State University of New York Board of Trustees on the need for a new law school.

The proposed law school at Binghamton University could potentially join two other law schools at state colleges in New York. Both the University at Buffalo and Queens College in the City University of New York system have law schools as well.