The proposals detailed in Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2020 State of the State Address offer practical vision that improves the futures of individuals, industries and economies in a responsible and achievable manner.
A core element of SUNY Morrisville’s identity is its commitment to access and providing higher education to a greater population of underserved students. The Governor’s proposal to expand the Excelsior Scholarship program reflects the importance of access and educational achievement. We will continue to lead as an access-minded institution and applaud efforts to bring higher education to more people so they can better their lives and their communities.
At SUNY Morrisville, we know that sustainable and renewable practices offer great careers and dependable infrastructure. The Governor’s proposals for wind power, solar energy and electric vehicles align nicely with our own programs in these areas.
With our campuses in Morrisville, Syracuse and Norwich, we recognize the need for workforce development and training that occurs through partnership with communities and their area industries. We have developed several institutes and centers, along with our programs, to address this very need, and it makes perfect sense that the Governor has proposed investment in exactly this sort of endeavor. We are excited to further our efforts in support of this approach and its wider promise for economic development.
SUNY Morrisville was the first institution to participate in an industrial hemp revival that began in New York State in 2016, and we know the promise that expanded cannabis development offers. We will continue to host summits and offer courses in this area to share insights and practices developed through our applied research experiences.