S4685B

The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would add a paid faculty member to the Board of Trustees for SUNY and CUNY community colleges, advancing a repass of earlier legislation with a 45-12 vote. The bill, Senate Print 4685B sponsored by Sen. Stavisky, faced opposition from Republicans and some Democrats who argued it creates conflicts of interest by placing a collective bargaining unit member on boards responsible for overseeing institutions financed by students, the state, and local governments. Sen. Borrello called the measure "fraught with conflicts of interest" and urged Gov. Hochul to veto it if it reaches her desk. Sen. Martins said the change is "bad policy" and noted opposition from the Association of Counties and the Community College Association. Supporters, including Stavisky, cited a new Attorney General opinion affirming the measure's legality and memos of support from various groups. Twelve senators voted against the bill: Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Fahy, Griffo, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, and Weik.