New Initiatives

The Executive Budget includes:

Interstate Licensure with Contiguous States and States in the Northeast Region
Language is advanced that would seek to expand telehealth services and create a program with contiguous states and the Northeast Region to support telehealth access.

Extension of the New York Army, Air National Guard, and Naval Militia Tuition Benefit Program
Language is advanced that would extend this program for an additional five years. The RIRP program provides a direct payment of college tuition for an eligible service member matriculated and enrolled at least half-time (minimum of two courses per semester) at a two or four-year college or university in New York State, up to the amount of tuition charged by a college or university in the State University of New York system.

Expansion of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) design and construction and loan services to not-for-profits and school districts
Would extend this service from DASNY to not-for-profits and school districts for projects in excess of $5.0M for design and construction, and the loan program to these entities in general.

Autonomous Vehicle Technology
Establishes a new Interagency Group on Autonomous Vehicle Technology, comprised of the SUNY Chancellor, the DOT Commissioner, the DMV Commissioner, the Director of the Thruway Authority, and the Director of the State Police, to coordinate all State policy with regard to autonomous vehicle technology.

Offshore Wind Training Institute
The State is investing $20 million in a new Offshore Wind Training Institute housed at SUNY Stony Brook and Farmingdale State College.

Priority admission for nursing program
Beginning in Fall 2021, SUNY and CUNY will implement priority admission to nursing programs so 40,000 nurses and nursing candidates can meet the baccalaureate credentials under the “BSN in 10” law.