With state budget negotiations concluding April 1, researchers across New York are urging Albany leaders to invest in biomedical research, an effort led by the Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY). We encourage you to contact Governor Hochul, your State Assembly member, and State Senator to voice your support (click the hyperlinks to find who represents you). Sample script is below, and reach out to Dan Pollay at dcp2003@med.cornell.edu if you have any questions.
“I am writing to urge the New York State Legislature to add $100 million to the fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund biomedical research and our scientific workforce. This investment will build on critical allocations already in the budget to capitalize on new opportunities and ensure that New York State will continue to lead our nation and the world in science and the delivery of healthcare that benefits all New Yorkers.
Governor Hochul has acknowledged the need for investment in the biosciences by putting $65 million towards a Bolstering Biotech Initiative which would support late-stage research like clinical trials and venture capital investments. I strongly support these investments, but it is critical that New York fund the research that leads to discoveries in addition to commercialization and support the scientific workforce.
New York has been a leader in research for decades, but states like California, Massachusetts, Texas are investing billions in biomedical research and Canada, China and the European Union are spending billions to recruit our scientists - all at a time when the federal government is rapidly changing its policies and priorities for funding research. It is essential that New York boldly step forward and expand our commitment to our life science industry.
Bioscience is an important economic driver, with nearly $6 billion in research expenditures annually, employing 120,000 New Yorkers and training a scientific workforce that drives new discoveries and treatments that improve the health and lives of all New Yorkers. The State’s targeted investments in recent years have supported the expansion of our life science sector – particularly our startup economy. There is opportunity for states like New York that possess the infrastructure and workforce and are willing to invest boldly in science.
I am urging you to ensure that the future of bioscience in New York is secure by supporting the $65 million Bolstering Biotech Initiative and allocating an additional $100 million in this year’s budget to cement our continued global leadership in science, scientific talent and healthcare delivery.”