Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2009

SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $1 MILLION TO IMPROVE MEDICAL RESEARCH ON LONG ISLAND

Funds Will Support Research and Treatment Advancements at SUNY Stony Brook, North-Shore Long Island Jewish Research Institute

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $910,500 to upgrade and improve resources at leading medical research institutions on Long Island, including the Research Foundation of SUNY Stony Brook and the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Research Institute. The federal dollars will help the institutions move forward on critical research and treatment to help improve the lives of all New Yorkers, and are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Senators Schumer and Gillibrand helped pass earlier this year.

“These funds are just what the doctor ordered,” Schumer said. “In these tough economic times, this federal funding will go a long way in ensuring that Long Island continues to have the best medical research facilities in the nation, and I am proud to have worked so hard with Senator Gillibrand to secure this essential funding.”

“It is critical that we invest in the life-saving research at our world class facilities on Long Island,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Federal funding for this cutting edge research will help with medical diagnosis and treatment while promoting economic growth on Long Island. During these tough economic times, I will continue to work with Senator Schumer to ensure that New York receives its fair share of federal dollars.”

The Research Foundation of SUNY Stony Brook will receive $120,000 to move forward on research and treatment for multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and depression. The Research Foundation of SUNY Stony Brook will also receive $500,000 for high-resolution equipment to advance studies for a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases.

The North Shore-Long Island Jewish Research Institute will receive $290,500 to make advancements in research and therapies for inner ear disease.

Senators Schumer and Gillibrand are strong supporters of President Obama’s economic plan. The investment will help create or save more than 200,000 jobs in New York, while laying the foundation for future economic growth with critical investments in health care technology, education, infrastructure and renewable energy.

###

Resource Center