Enjoying this newsletter? Why not share it with a friend? Measles and Hep B vaccine changes: What it means for youToday’s ACIP meeting
Thursday was the first of two meetings of ACIP—the CDC’s vaccine policy advisory group. On the docket were two votes: one on a measles vaccine and another on hepatitis B. Today, Friday, they will be back with Covid-19 vaccine recommendation changes. Usually, I’d give you the key takeaways of the science and rationale behind a change in recommendations. But this meeting was different. RFK Jr. has handpicked every member, and many are not experts in this space and have built careers—and fortunes—by sowing doubt about vaccines. So it wasn’t surprising that today’s discussion felt less like a scientific review and more like a Jerry Springer show: performative, at times absurd, and littered with red flags. There were multiple falsehoods, repeated mistakes, and comments that revealed more ideology and incompetence than evidence. To make matters worse, at the end, one of the members’ hot mics caught him saying he didn’t know what he just voted for. In sharp contrast, the CDC scientists and staff who presented at the meeting were clear, careful, and grounded in evidence. Their presentations laid out the data, the risks, and the benefits with precision. Frankly, they all deserve a medal of honor. Unfortunately, this isn’t just inside baseball. ACIP and HHS decisions directly affect you and your family: Will you be able to get a vaccine, and where, at what cost? Here’s a breakdown of what’s changed and what it means for you, including my own level of concern. Bottom line up frontToday, ACIP:
Today’s meeting was chaotic, and your vaccine choices just got narrower. RFK Jr. hasn’t set the house on fire yet, but they’ve definitely doused it in gasoline and started small forest fires on the property. Grassroots pushback, political pressure, and strong internal voices likely curbed the most extreme proposals. But “not the worst outcome” isn’t the standard families deserve. The changes adopted today weren’t based on new safety or effectiveness data. They were driven by ideology. And it’s our kids who will be harmed. Hepatitis B vaccine from birth to 30 days: Yellow/orange alertThursday, ACIP discussed delaying the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine until 30 days of age for infants not considered “high risk.” While it’s far better than what was initially reported (delaying until 4 years), it’s still a step backward and wasn’t based on new scientific evidence. Why do we vaccinate?
Once inside a cell, the virus hides its DNA in the nucleus, making it nearly impossible to clear. We do not have a cure. That’s why prevention is so critical. Babies are especially vulnerable—9 in 10 infants who catch it become chronically infected, compared to about 1 in 10 adults. It’s not entirely clear why this risk decreases dramatically over time, but it’s likely because a baby’s immune system is weaker—it’s harder for them to clear the virus, allowing it to become a chronic disease.
Figure source from You Can Know Things Chronic hepatitis B often goes unnoticed at first but silently causes cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure, with about 25% of chronically infected children eventually dying from liver disease. The highest risk factor for hepatitis B (or HBV) is mothers with a history of sexually transmitted infections or multiple sex partners. Infants mainly get infected from their mothers during birth through blood transmission or other bodily fluids. But this virus is a booger. Babies can also get it from other household members who may unknowingly carry the virus. Because hepatitis B spreads easily through tiny amounts of blood—even from things like scrapes or nail clippers—newborns can be exposed in ways that parents can’t always predict or prevent. Half of babies infected in infancy did not have mothers infected with HBV, meaning that the risk came from other household members. Why do we have a universal recommendation, then? In the 1980s, before the universal birth dose was recommended in 1991, about 18,000 children under age 10 were infected with hepatitis B each year—half of them at birth. Today, thanks to universal vaccination, CDC reports fewer than 20 cases per year (though modeling suggests the true number is still several hundred). Let me say that again: universal hepatitis B vaccination cut the number of children infected by 1000 times! Universal vaccination acted as a safety net, given a few critical factors:
And, importantly, the benefits of vaccination have long outweighed the risks: The HBV vaccine induces protective immune responses in nearly everyone (80-100%). The vaccine risks are extremely low—the only safety signal found is rare allergic reactions (one severe allergic reaction for every 2-3 million doses). What changed this week? Historically, recommendations were that everyone get the hepatitis B vaccination at birth, 1–2 months and 6–18 months. ACIP has proposed to delay the first hepatitis B vaccine dose to 30 days for non-high-risk people. They advised that people who want it at birth should consult their doctor. This wasn’t based on any nuance or any new (or old) safety or effectiveness data.
Hepatitis B schedule changes after ACIP meeting. Figure by Your Local Epidemiologist A vote has been postponed until today, Friday, to make this an official change. It is very likely to pass with the current ACIP membership. What will be the impact? Infections will rise, especially among newborns, and chronic disease will lead to more preventable deaths. How much they will increase is a big unanswered question and depends on two things:
What does this mean for you? If you and your family are vaccinated against hepatitis B, you’re very well protected. More than 95% of people who complete the series are protected for many decades, potentially for life. If you’re pregnant, you now may have to navigate a patchwork of rules, with some states, hospitals, or pediatricians still recommending and providing the birth dose, while others follow the delayed schedule. Parents who want early protection may need to advocate for it, pay out of pocket, or face limited access. But some states are already pushing back. (Follow YLE CA and YLE NY for the latest on vaccine access protections in those states.) MMRV first dose removed: Yellow alertThursday, ACIP voted to remove the option for families to get the MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella [chickenpox]) combination vaccine for the first dose is better than what was initially floated—removing the option for MMRV as the second dose as well, which is what the vast majority of kids receive. Why do we have this vaccine? Measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox can all cause serious illness, death, and significant disruption for families. The MMRV vaccine combines MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) with varicella, reducing the number of shots, doctor visits, and tears. Is there a true safety signal for MMRV? Not exactly. About 1 in 3,000 (0.03%) children may experience a febrile seizure after their first dose of the MMR vaccine, which is typically given at 12-15 months old. For MMRV, the risk is slightly higher: about one extra febrile seizure for every 2,300–2,600 children vaccinated (0.04%). Importantly, this increased risk disappears by the second dose (age 4–6). This is far lower than the baseline risk of febrile seizures (2–5%) from viral infections. Vaccination helps prevent those infections. What changed this week? Until now, pediatricians and families had two options at 12 months:
Due to the small increased febrile seizure risk, most pediatricians (70–85%) already opt for separate shots for the first dose. In fact, there was already a preferential recommendation in the childhood immunization schedule. However, because the risk is already so low, parents could reasonably want to use MMRV because it would mean fewer pokes and less stress. But after today’s vote, MMRV is no longer recommended for 12–18-month-olds. It will only be used for the second dose at 4–6 years.
MMRV changes after the ACIP meeting. Figure by Your Local Epidemiologist What will be the impact? Short term: This will be disruptive. Roughly 15–30% of pediatricians stock the combination vaccine for first doses, and switching supply chains and clinic workflows takes time—even as long as 6 months. That lag could mean gaps in vaccination and missed opportunities. Long term: The overall population impact is likely small. Most providers already avoid MMRV for first doses, and the second dose remains unaffected. Bottom lineToday’s meeting was chaotic, and your vaccine choices just got narrower. RFK Jr. hasn’t set the house on fire yet, but they’ve definitely doused it in gasoline and started small forest fires on the property. Grassroots pushback, political pressure, and strong internal voices likely curbed the most extreme proposals. But “not the worst outcome” isn’t the standard families deserve. The changes adopted today weren’t based on new safety or effectiveness data. They were driven by ideology. And it’s our kids who will be harmed. Love, YLE P.S. I will be back Friday with the Hep B vote and changes in Covid-19 vaccinations. I’m anticipating much more dramatic changes than today, but we’ll see. Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE) is founded and operated by Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, MPH PhD—an epidemiologist. . YLE is a public health newsletter that reaches over 400,000 people in more than 132 countries, with one goal: to translate the ever-evolving public health science so that people are well-equipped to make evidence-based decisions. This newsletter is free to everyone, thanks to the generous support of fellow YLE community members. To support the effort, subscribe or upgrade below: |
SEPTEMBER 18–TONIGHT 8 PM STATE SENATOR SHELLEY MAYER ON “PEOPLE TO BE HEARD” FIOS CH 45 AND OPTIMUM CH 1300 OR CH 76 AND www.wpcommunitymedia.org
WHITE PLAINS STATE SENATOR SHELLEY MAYER PREVIEWS THE ISSUES COMING UP IN ALBANY AHEAD TONIGHT AT 8 AND SATURDAY AT 7 AND ANY TIME ON WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG
SEPTEMBER 18– NEW YORK HEALTH UPDATE. “EVEN EPIDEMIOLOGISTS GET COVID”
Enjoying this newsletter? Why not share it with a friend? Covid, vaccine recommendation updates, West Nile Virus, a Legionella outbreak, and moreThe NY Dose
 Infectious disease “weather report”Ugh, even epidemiologists get Covid. Recently, my partner and I both felt like we had “allergies”—itchy eyes, mildly scratchy throats, and some lung irritation. It was so mild that at first we didn’t even think to test. When we finally did, his turned positive instantly. Mine never did. But, based on the timing of symptoms, I’m pretty sure I caught it first and then cleared the infection by the time we tested. Consider this my firsthand evidence that Covid activity is elevated in New York, and the data agree. Wastewater data is showing an upward trend. I’ll note that the latest data is usually unstable as all the sites submit data, but it stabilizes after about two weeks. This likely explains what looks like a big drop near the end of August.
New York state Covid-19 wastewater activity levels. Figure from CDC NWSS. Annotations by YLE. That said, the recent rise in wastewater concentrations aligns with increased hospitalizations.
Everything else is quiet still: Flu: Outpatient visits for flu-like illness haven’t started rising in New York yet, but I’m keeping a close eye on it. In other parts of the country, numbers have already started to climb. RSV: Still quiet. I was planning on getting my fall Covid booster soon, but after just getting over Covid, I’m deciding to wait. Data show that after a Covid infection, delaying immunization by about ~6 months can increase its effectiveness. (YLE national covered the timing of Covid vaccines here). I’m getting my flu shot soon though! Speaking of immunizations… Updates to routine immunization eligibility are expected this weekThere’s a lot happening right now around vaccine access and eligibility, both for Covid and routine immunizations. Last week we covered New York’s steps to keep Covid-19 vaccination accessible, including executive and standing orders that allow pharmacists to vaccinate anyone over age 3 without a prescription. In practice, you may still need to check “yes” to the eligibility question on pharmacy websites when scheduling, but New York pharmacists have the authority to vaccinate you whether or not you have an underlying condition.
CVS appointment scheduler questions. Check “yes” that you would like to receive a Covid vaccine and are eligible. Today, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is starting a two-day meeting to vote on Covid-19, hepatitis B, and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccine recommendations. There is a very real possibility that ACIP will vote against recommending some of them for certain ages. Such a decision would truly be unprecedented given overwhelming evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness. If that happens, the availability of these vaccines will be reduced. I do expect New York State will step in to protect these vaccines. Governor Hochul has already issued an executive order and standing order to safeguard Covid-19 vaccine access (we covered it here), and I anticipate something similar if ACIP votes against hepatitis B or MMRV. Even so, a quick executive order can’t erase the confusion. Potentially conflicting messaging from federal and state departments will undoubtedly create uncertainty and confusion, making it harder for some to get vaccinated. While I don’t think that Covid vaccines should be removed, most people in New York have a buffer of community immunity, and access to Covid vaccines through the executive order. If recommendations change, it will have the greatest impact on those who don’t have immunity, like young children, pregnant women, and people who are immunocompromised. But hepatitis B and MMRV are a different story. Removing these vaccines sets us back in the progress we’ve made in protecting babies, and puts kids and vulnerable populations at risk of serious, preventable diseases. That’s why now it’s more important than ever to stay informed, and remember that vaccines remain one of the safest, most effective tools to protect babies, children, and everyone else from severe and preventable illness. I’ll be back next week with the implications for New Yorkers after we know with certainty what the ACIP votes will be. We are in peak West Nile Virus seasonNew York is seeing West Nile Virus activity across the state. This is typical—September is when we often see the highest WNV infections. This most recent data show mosquitoes tested positive in:
A few mosquitoes in Oswego County also tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, which is rare but more dangerous than WNV. So far, there have been 26 human WNV cases across the state, and no cases of EEE. In New York, it’s too early to tell if this is a normal year or not because this is the time of the year when WNV cases typically really pick up.
New York West Nile Virus infections for this year (2025) and the average of the previous 3 years (green). Data from NY DOH. Annotations by YLE. Nationally, WNV is 40% higher than normal. In New York, we’re getting close to last year’s total WNV-positive mosquito pools (1,638 so far compared to 2,167 last year), and the season usually runs until the first few freezes in November. So, it’s too soon to tell how bad this year will be. (Editor’s Note: Last week Westchester County had reported one case of West Nile Virus) NY counties continue to use mosquito control to reduce risk. Many have conducted or plan to conduct aerial insecticide spraying, where a plane disperses chemicals to kill mosquitoes or prevent breeding. (You can check your local health department website for local schedules.) There are recent or upcoming events for NYC (Brooklyn and Queens this week).
To minimize exposure to insecticides during spraying:
Legionnaires’ disease in WestchesterYes, another outbreak. This time Westchester County is investigating a spike in Legionnaires’ disease. So far this year:
This is an increase—last year there were 24 cases total in the county. Across the state, excluding NYC, we are at 383 cases so far for this year. Officials recently confirmed a cluster of 5 cases in Yonkers and said that cooling towers are being inspected in response. But we don’t know where the cases reside or where they could have been exposed. I’m concerned that not enough information is being shared, or shared quickly enough. Knowing which neighborhoods or zip codes are affected helps us assess personal risk. And clear, timely, and consistent communication from public health departments is essential, not just for managing outbreaks, but for building and maintaining community trust. Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by breathing in tiny water droplets containing the Legionella bacteria. Symptoms usually start 2–10 days after exposure and can include:
Most healthy people exposed won’t get sick. Those at higher risk are adults over age 50, smokers, and people with chronic lung disease, diabetes, cancer, or weakened immune systems. It’s not spread person-to-person because it doesn’t infect cells the same way a respiratory virus does (like Covid). You also can’t usually get it from drinking water— water rarely enters the lungs while drinking, and stomach acid likely kills it when ingested. In New York, and especially around NYC, outbreaks with cases across communities (like this one) are typically linked to cooling towers, which are separate from residential plumbing. This means that your tap water is not a risk. Why has there been so much Legionnaires’ this summer?The increase in Westchester Legionnaires’ cases follows the large outbreak in Central Harlem, where seven people died and 114 were diagnosed. We covered it here. And Legionnaires’ disease has been increasing nationally.
National Legionnaires’ disease rates have been increasing, though data after 2022 have not yet been published. Figure from CDC. Several factors may be driving the increase in Legionnaires’ cases this summer in New York:
Grandparents for vaccinesThink Moms Against Drunk Driving, but for polio and measles. A new grassroots group of grandparents just launched to protect kids’ vaccine access. They’re driven by lived experience—remembering when these diseases ran rampant—and are elevating their stories. Fueled by personal experiences, they are asking for support and stories. Learn more and join them here! What else you need to knowMeasles in NYCThe NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has confirmed two adult cases of measles in Manhattan. They are investigating potential exposures at two unnamed restaurants in SOHO and the Lower East Side, and contacting those who may have been exposed. Reminder—if you are fully vaccinated, you are well protected. Blue-green algae in OnondagaOnondaga County has issued an advisory for a harmful algal bloom at Skaneateles Lake. These blooms, caused by overgrowth of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), can cause skin rashes, stomach upset, or more serious illness if swallowed or inhaled. Before swimming at lakes or ponds, check local advisories and pay attention to posted signs. If you or your pet were exposed, rinse off really well and seek medical care if symptoms develop. Bottom lineYou’re all caught up on New York public health news this week! Love, Your NY Epi Dr. Marisa Donnelly, PhD, is an epidemiologist, science communicator, and public health expert. This newsletter exists to translate complex public health data into actionable insights, empowering New Yorkers to make informed and evidence-based health decisions. |
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SEPTEMBER 17– FLASH! GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES $300 MILLION INVESTMENT TO ESTABLISH QUANTUM RESEARCH AND INNOVATION HUB –INSPIRED BY HER FATHER’S LIFE
Funding Will Further Fuel New York’s Research Excellence; Brings Governor’s Total Investment in Higher Education Research Under Her Leadership to $1.34 Billion
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $300 million to establish the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, further catapulting New York’s national leadership in groundbreaking research that saves lives, grows the economy and improves national security.
“At a time when national investment in research and innovation is at risk, New York State is doubling down and SUNY is on the move,”
Governor Hochul said. “The State University of New York at Stony Brook is a research powerhouse and will now be able to reach new heights in quantum. We know that to provide our state and nation with a brighter future, we need to invest today, and that is what New York is committed to do.”
Reversing years of disinvestment, since Governor Hochul took office in 2021, the State University of New York at Stony Brook has received $73 million in additional Direct State Tax Support operating aid and $969 million in additional State capital commitments (including the $300 million for the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub).
In addition to increased operating aid, Stony Brook has also received $12 million to support new full-time faculty, $8 million to fully close the “TAP gap,” and access to the State’s $500 million endowment match. The latter provides a $1.00 in Direct State Tax Support for every $2.00 raised by philanthropic activity at the University Centers.
The $300 million Quantum Research and Innovation Hub will be New York’s premier facility dedicated to leading-edge research and education in quantum science and technology, with a particular focus on quantum communication and networking.
Building on the State University of New York at Stony Brook’s current leadership in this area, the hub positions the State University of New York at Stony Brook to become one of the premier global centers for Quantum Information Science and Technology, ensuring that the United States leads the world in this critical technology area.
As part of this funding commitment, over the course of the current semester, the State University of New York at Stony Brook will engage in a rebranding to more fully align to the SUNY name and logo in order to consistently demonstrate and amplify SUNY’s leadership on research and in recognition of the campus’s role in New York State’s public higher education system. SUNY will work with each University Center on their own similar branding process.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said: “The State Legislature is committed to ensuring that New York’s public higher education system has the resources to thrive. This $300 million investment to establish the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub at Stony Brook reaffirms our dedication to making New York a leader in discovery and innovation. Supporting world-class research in quantum science and technology will fuel breakthroughs that grow our economy and prepare the next generation of students for the jobs of the future. This investment reflects our belief that public education should drive opportunity and excellence for all New Yorkers.”
Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie said: “As a proud alumnus of Stony Brook University and a staunch supporter of the public education system in New York State, continued investment in our educational institutions are tantamount for the future success of the next generation. Our research universities have become the driving force behind technological and scientific advancements. As our SUNY system continues to expand, bridging the educational gap and fostering innovation, we must persist in making these investments that solidify New York and SUNY campuses as premier educational institutions. I want to express my gratitude to the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and the tireless advocacy of my many colleagues in government.”
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said:
“The State University of New York at Stony Brook is leading the way on cutting-edge research and emerging technologies, and this historic investment will accelerate efforts to ensure New York State is a global leader for generations to come. SUNY is committed to achieving Governor Hochul’s goal to double research expenditures for the sake of our students and our state.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said: “ESD was proud to support the Long Island Quantum Internet Test Bed at Stony Brook, laying the foundation for New York’s leadership in this transformative field. The creation of the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub marks the next step in expanding research capacity, cultivating top talent, and advancing breakthroughs that will drive economic growth and cement New York’s position as a global leader in quantum technology.”
State University of New York at Stony Brook President Andrea Goldsmith said: “Stony Brook is proud to have built the largest quantum network in the United States. Through such transformative research, in partnership with New York State and SUNY, we are accelerating technology advancement and its positive impact across our state and beyond.
The Quantum Research and Innovation Hub will spearhead the future of quantum computing and networking. We are grateful to Governor Hochul, Chancellor King, and SUNY for placing their trust in Stony Brook with this historic investment that further advances our leadership in quantum science and technology, and showcases the bold ground-breaking research across our campus that delivers solutions to society’s most pressing challenges.”
Governor Hochul has announced more than $1.34 billion over the last three years in State and matching private sector funding commitments for cutting-edge research by New York’s leading higher education institutions. These resources include support for the Empire AI research center for the public good — which is housed at the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) and includes leading public and private universities from across the state — as well as research investments through SUNY’s annual capital appropriations.
SUNY is the largest comprehensive public institution of higher education in the nation, and thanks to the steadfast support of Governor Hochul and state leaders, the SUNY system is a hub of innovation, discovery, and real-world impact. With groundbreaking research taking place at campuses throughout the state, SUNY is making progress toward achieving technological breakthroughs that will help shape the future of New York and the United States.
About the State University of New York at Stony Brook
The State University of New York at Stony Brook is New York’s flagship university and No. 1 public university. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. With more than 26,000 students, more than 3,000 faculty members, more than 225,000 alumni, a premier academic healthcare system, Stony Brook is a research-intensive distinguished center of innovation dedicated to addressing the world’s biggest challenges. The university embraces its mission to provide comprehensive undergraduate, graduate and professional education of the highest quality, and is ranked as the #58 overall university and #26 among public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges listing.
Fostering a commitment to academic research and intellectual endeavors, Stony Brook’s membership in the Association of American Universities (AAU) places it among the top 71 research institutions in North America. The university’s distinguished faculty have earned esteemed awards such as the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, Indianapolis Prize for animal conservation, Abel Prize, Fields Medal and Breakthrough Prizes in Mathematics and Physics.
Stony Brook has the responsibility of co-managing Brookhaven National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy — one of only eight universities with a role in running a national laboratory. In 2023, Stony Brook was named the anchor institution for The New York Climate Exchange on Governors Island in New York City. Providing economic growth for neighboring communities and the wider geographic region, the university totals an impressive $8.93 billion in increased economic output on Long Island.
About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state’s only college of optometry, and manages one U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory.
In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.16 billion in fiscal year 2024, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.
The following is Governor Hochul’s personal remarks about what the new center will accomplish:
Photos courtesy of the Governor’s Press Office.
“I don’t know how you don’t believe in the power of SUNY, we’ve seen that, but also how SUNY is embracing the power of quantum computing.
I mean, this is something I don’t think a few years ago people would’ve envisioned. I mean, that’s something the private sector does — we’re going to teach the basics here. There are leaders who’ve come before who’ve left their mark here. And I always want to mention James and Marilyn Simons on this organization, on this institution, and their belief and their ideas that maybe seem so wild and farfetched at the time, but really create an opportunity for them to be successful, but also to return to this great place and make massive, major investments.”
I know because we started a program a few years ago where the state would match contributions to endowments to our public institutions. I didn’t know that the Simons would break the bank on the first day. It was a lot of money. But it all came here. So I was like, okay, I have to go back to my Budget Director. And I thought it was a little here, there a little there. It’s all gone.
But I was there at those great announcements. But this institution has been the beneficiary of a lot of people who believe in what you do is the point. As I do and I look at your new leadership and the support of the trustees and everyone else who’s part of this — we’re creating an institute of advanced computational sciences and moving us in from the theoretical to the practical, which I probably won’t even understand when it becomes the practical.
But people who need to know will know, and that’s why to make further investments and to sort of catalyze our belief in the future of State University of New York at Stony Brook University. We’re investing big time today, big time. How does $300 million sound to you?
It’ll establish the new Quantum Research and Innovation Hub right here. You heard it here first, it’ll cement SUNY’s role as a global powerhouse. We don’t just want to be the best in the nation. That’s shooting too low. Our moonshot is to be the one recognized globally as the place where the smartest people want to be, and the smartest students want to be educated. And the ideas that are incubated here are commercialized, and we create more jobs here on Long Island in New York State. That’s my vision of how these investments will ultimately benefit all the people of our great state.
So that’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to strengthen our leadership in the industries of tomorrow. And as you mentioned, I designated the Stony Brook University as a flagship because people say, “Well, how come some of these other states — you think about Michigan and California, other places in Texas — like they have a flagship. Well, why don’t we?” Well, if we don’t have one, I’m going to have one. I mean, I want to have my flagship.
So we had this kind of ambition in mind. With that designation, but also I knew that designation would help lift up the prestige of Stony Brook University and let’s look at some of the results. Freshman applications are up 65 percent. PhD applications are up 45 percent. This is the smartest in the nation and abroad, they want to be here — 45 percent increase, and faculty applications, because everybody wants to be part of the action, are up 100 percent. That’s what a designation and the leadership and the cultivation of this innovation hub, this whole concept of a place where the smartest people gather. The momentum that we’re experiencing here is nothing short of extraordinary, beyond my expectations. And that’s why I’m so excited but we’re not done. No matter what the topic is, I say we are not resting on our laurels. We’re never saying mission accomplished for anything, because I want to make sure that we establish New York’s brand as the place for the smartest minds gathered, but also there’s opportunities for everyone.
Whether it’s what we’re doing with free community college now – which is often a pipeline. President, you said that you started in community college yourself. And to realize that there’s a lot of adults, not everybody knows their future when they’re 18 years old and they take a pass on even applying to colleges.
But to say in our budget, again I thank our Senators and our Assemblymember for their support. We offer in the State of New York, for the first time ever, free adult learning free community college for anyone over the age of 25 to be able to go back and get a degree or an enhanced or get more credentials — and to really embrace these new opportunities and technologies and curriculum that weren’t there before.
So I want people to have a reset in life sometimes and just another chance to lift their credentials. And I’m going to call on the Chancellor, and maybe he knows this number. A few weeks ago I asked and said, “how many more students have applied to college at SUNY community colleges this year than last.” I think it was 16,000 — over 16,000 people. We just enacted this a few months ago.
So that shows the demand, and we’re focusing people on the jobs we know that there’s openings. Whether it’s health care or education, but also specific industry, advanced manufacturing in particular. But also the trades, I want more people to learning skills and so that’s what I get most excited about.
I want every single student to have the same shot at the American Dream that lifted my family out of its circumstances. My parents lived in a trailer park and my dad worked at the steel plant — it was tough, dirty work. His father worked there, his brothers were, this was the American dream for poor Irish immigrants, that was to be able to work at a steel plant and have a union card.
But my dad had an even bigger dream and he worked all day and had a little baby, my brother, lived in the trailer park. I came along a year later. We’re Irish, like I said, a year later and there’s more and more, there’s more lots of little kids. But he went on and pursued a college degree at night and when he got that credential, he’s able to move up out of the hard work in the factory and move into a different position there and ultimately took a risk — and I’d say this because I think I have the same risk-taking gene or else I wouldn’t be here. But my dad, when he was 30 and had five of his six kids, already had a secure job at Bethlem Steel. He had met a couple of guys who had just been involved in something crazy called computers, and my dad left his job. People thought he was crazy. And took a chance to join a couple of other guys who started before.
Four people started a company that worked in technology and solutions and went into companies and sold business, and I went on business calls with my dad and they almost went under so many times — we struggled and struggled. But eventually, they made it and grew to 3,000 employees in my hometown and took the company, not national, but global — my dad became the CEO.
I take all that success back to a decision he made to get a college degree. And whether you want to go into the trades out of high school, we have great programs and BOCES and others you can go on that path. And I meet so many people in that space as well. But for those who want to embrace these new opportunities of the future, they’re being developed and unfolded as we speak before our very eyes today.
Giving people that chance to get that degree without worrying about the cost. It is something I feel is a gift to the people of this State, and I’m so proud about that initiative and I know that there are going to be other lives that are transformed just as my family was because of that access to education.
So we’re going to have a brand new quantum hub here. It will be anchored by other institutions. It’ll be a data center, a network control room, an institute — all sorts of big, fancy names and people are going to make this happen. I’m going to come back and say, “That’s very cool, I don’t really quite understand it, but that’s all right. As long as you do, I don’t need to.”
But I’ll close with this. It just means an investment like this solidifies our position — as an incubator of ideas and possibilities and ultimately an educational system that’ll lead to more businesses being created and supported by the graduates of institutions like this.
This is the whole ecosystem because I want Long Island to thrive and prosper, and this is the linchpin — this is our key to unlock that even more. It’s a wonderful place to live, raise families. I know that our educational institutions K through 12 are outstanding, especially since the kids are finally off the cell phones.
I said our kids will be a lot smarter than the other states’ kids, I’m telling you I’m putting my money on them, but this is what it’s all about. It’s about opportunity, and I want to thank everyone involved in this because for me, this is a good day. And I can look out at a room full of true believers. People know that we just haven’t quite unleashed our full potential. And we’re going to seize it like this.”