Cities 2 Committee Holds Inaugural Committee Meeting and Votes to Fund Rochester School Modernization

(Albany, NY) - Today the Senate’s Cities 2 Committee, which focuses on the “Big 5” cities outside of NYC, held its inaugural meeting. The bipartisan membership voted to move a landmark bill (S1761A), which would modernize schools in the Rochester City School District. This program will create 21st century classrooms and significant local job growth opportunities.
 
Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) is the first committee chair appointed to lead Cities 2 by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
 
During the committee meeting Senator Cooney outlined his vision for the committee which would, “address the systemic issues that burden our State’s urban centers, with a special focus on the “Big 5” (Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse, and Albany). We know these cities have unique challenges that have long gone unrecognized.” 
 
Sen. Cooney concluded his opening remarks by outlining his goals including ensuring that municipalities have equal access to state resources and particularly as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Senator Cooney on being the first committee chair for Cities 2
 
“Chairing the Senate’s new Cities 2 Committee is personally meaningful as someone who was raised in the City of Rochester, graduated from its public schools, and then served as the City’s chief of staff. I know upstate cities are in need of specialized solutions and must have access to resources that fit the needs of our diverse communities. I am honored to be the first chair of this committee and I thank Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for her trust in my vision for renewed urban investment,” said Senator Cooney.
 
Senator Cooney on the RSMP
 
“Passing the final phase of the Rochester School Modernization Program will build 21st century learning environments for our students and, at the same time, utilize resources for one of the largest infrastructure and jobs projects in Rochester’s history,” said Senator Cooney.