NYSHEI Executive Director Jason Kramer today submitted testimony to the New York State Legislature Joint Budget Hearing on Higher Education.  The joint budget hearings begin the legislature’s response to the Executive Budget Proposal for fiscal 2010-2011, offered by Governor Paterson.

In acknowledging the lingering problems of New York’s economy and the crushing deficits resultant of the recent national economic climate, Kramer argued that the old ways of doing business were not sufficient.

“If it is to master the problems, not merely of the current environment, but of the 21st century, business as usual is not good enough.  New York must – and can – be smarter, faster and more efficient,” said Kramer.

Toward that goal Kramer offered ARIA as an example of mitigating cuts, creating cost efficiencies, and exploiting economies of scale.

“An investment in ARIA would bring immediate relief and lasting results,” Kramer argued.

The full testimony is available on-line.