The Catskill Chronicle

NEW YORK STATE (March 31, 2014) – New York State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I – Mt. Hope) and Ulster County Legislator Craig Lopez (R/C/I – Shawangunk) recently announced the 2014-2015 New York State Budget will include a restoration of $7 million in funding for the Spinal Cord Injury Research Program.

The program, which was created in 1998, has authorized over $71 million in grants for spinal cord injury research since its inception.  However, there was no funding provided for new grants in the 2010-11, 2011-12, or 2012-13 State Budgets.  Last year, due to the advocacy of Senator Bonacic, $2 million in funding was provided.  Senator Bonacic has carried legislation since 2011 which would create a permanent floor of funding for the program.

“I am glad to see this significant restoration and I would like to thank Legislator Craig Lopez for his advocacy on this issue” said Senator Bonacic.  “I look forward to continue working with Legislator Lopez as we push for a restoration of this program to full funding levels of $8.5 million annually in the future.”

“The New York State Spinal Cord Injury Research Program is a key source of funding for cutting-edge medical research, and in the process, serves as a catalyst for high-tech jobs in New York,” said Legislator Lopez.  “Funding this program is a win-win for public health and economic development.  Iwould like to personally thank Senator Bonacic for his hard work on behalf of those with spinal cord injuries.  This funding is key to help provide the research needed to find a cure.”