Over the past year, unionized researchers across the country have been fighting back against the federal government’s attacks on science and higher education. While we’ve made progress, many of us continue to be deeply impacted by cuts to federal grants and the potential for more cuts in the future. It is more important than ever that we expand and protect access to science funding. We now have an opportunity to do that at the state level, right here in New York.
A newly-proposed Empire Biomedical Research Institute (EBRI) would dedicate $500 million in the first year followed by $6 billion over the next ten years to a state-based funding mechanism for New Yorkers similar to the NIH. We are part of a coalition urging Governor Hochul to establish and fund EBRI as part of her 2026-2027 Executive Budget, alongside NY-CURES, AMSNY, and many other organizations and advocates for biomedical research in New York.
Other states, including California, Texas, and Massachusetts, are undertaking similar initiatives, and it’s urgent that we show Governor Hochul there is widespread support for this proposal among New Yorkers before she announces her budget in mid-January. Please take a minute to add your name to the open letter now.
Please feel free to reach with any questions or thoughts,
Antonio Hernandez – Pathology
ERU-UAW Bargaining Committee