An extensive lobbying campaign in the district offices and in Albany has been in full swing since February. A number of Farmingdale members — including Valerie Madeska, Beverly Perlow, Brian Maher, Debbie Nilsen, Mike Smiles, Lou Scala, Judi Bird and Kim Hastings — have visited the local district offices of the legislators to explain both the effects of the possible cuts and the benefits of the technology money to SUNY Farmingdale.

At the Farmingdale brunch, Dr. Jonathan Gibralter was appreciative of the team effort of Farmingdale and its members to bring these vitally important funds to the campus. Dr.Gibralter also explained the Federal Energy Intiative, in which Farmingdale will participate. Several legislators asked for information on this issue.

Gene Peters from Equal Opportunity Program (EOP) expressed the needs of the disadvantaged students and the continued support for this population by our legislators. Assemblyman Sweeney was quick to note that funding for this EOP was a priority of the Assembly and his support would continue for TAP money restoration.

Assemblyman Sweeney was commended for his efforts to continue the expansion of the second phrase of the Bioscience Park along with Senator Fuschillo. Dr. Gibralter expressed hope that this expansion would be started soon.

Senator Marcellino encouraged Farmingdale members to visit his local office, indicating that he put the most value on these visits because they were pertinent to this districts needs and he had the time and interest to spend with constituents at his Long Island office. Assemblyman Englebright assured us of his continuing support as a UUP member and felt confident that faculty line restorations would be possible in this budget.

Assemblyman Conte noted that his commitment to Farmingdale has been constant for many years. He certainly was in favor of education funding all levels.

Assemblyman Boyle noted that he attended classes at SUNY Farmingdale with his grandmother when she was a nursing student. Although all the legislators were cautious about a commitment, they all expressed full support for increased funding for SUNY and the UUP campaign issues.

Assemlyman Sidikman brought his granddaughter Iris, who was visiting from the Midwest. Farmingdale thought she might be a prospective student. Also attending were representatives from Senators Fuschillo, Trunzo, Blaboni and Assemblywoman Donna Ferrara’s offices.