Cuomo cabinet member presents 2015 Opportunity Agenda at SUNY New Paltz

SUNY New Paltz hosted members of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s administration, local government officials and members of the College community for a presentation of the Governor’s 2015 Opportunity Agenda on Friday, Jan. 23.

Gerald Benjamin, director of the SUNY New Paltz Center for Research, Regional Education & Outreach (CRREO) and associate vice president for regional engagement, gave the introductory remarks.

“As a leading public university campus in the state, we’re very pleased and proud to host this meeting today,” Benjamin said. He praised the efforts to bring the message of the Governor’s agenda to local communities directly, describing the event as “integral to the Governor’s approach.”

Benjamin also called attention to the expanding partnerships between the College, state government, and local businesses, noting “The University here has embraced SUNY’s role as an engine and resource for economic development, most evidenced by our 3D printing initiative.”

The overall picture presented by the 2015 Opportunity Agenda is one of optimism and growth. “People are now trying to be more like New York State,” said Ulster County Executive Michael Hein, who introduced presenter Brian Stratton, director of the New York State Canal Corporation, and a member of the Governor’s cabinet.

Stratton outlined the Governor’s five-tiered proposal to dedicate resources and make statewide improvements in the areas of economic opportunity, education, public safety, government reform, and fairness.

The Agenda combines the Governor’s “State of the State” address with his 2015 budget proposal. It was first delivered by Governor Cuomo on Jan. 21 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. More information about the 2015 Opportunity Agenda is available here.