131ST ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

Biotechnology Education and Training funding sought

"We need to invest in the emerging biotechnology/biomedical industry to create jobs at various skill levels," Assemblymember Susan John (D-Rochester/Chili/Wheatland) said. "I'm working to secure $15 million for the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Center for Biotechnology Education and Training - a proposed facility to provide academic and career training in biotech-nology."

Assemblymember John noted that RIT graduates from the biotechnology program are currently making major medical breakthroughs for many diseases including cancer. In addition, other graduates have been working to develop new vaccines, drugs, food products, to protect the environment and create new energy sources.

"We need to emphasize these regional strengths to help build a high-tech economy and create jobs," Assemblymember John said. "It's time to get the upstate economy moving in the right direction."

Assemblymember John said that ac-cording to the state Labor Department, the Rochester area lost 12,400 jobs between January 2001 and January 2002. She criticized the governor's economic development efforts upstate for being lackluster, and said that any final budget agreement must invest in biotechnology as well as downtown revitalization and job training programs to help attract new job-creating businesses into the region.

"The governor's policies have failed to capitalize on the longest economic expansion in our nation's history," John said. "His current budget proposal again neglects to offer the real leadership we need to strengthen the economy. Instead of his one-size fits all economic development policies, we should focus our efforts on Monroe County's unique strengths."
In addition, John called for new funding to help revitalize our downtown areas and promote business development that could help communities pay for infrastructure enhancement projects, facade improvement projects and Brownfield remediation. In addition, projects to attract high-tech businesses and job-growth should be supported.

To help develop and retain a highly skilled workforce, John supports investing in university/industry partnerships, as well as programs like Educational Opportunity Centers and technology training projects at local community colleges.