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For Immediate Release
June 6, 2025

Statement by UUP President Frederick E. Kowal regarding SUNY Downstate University Hospital

“Eighteen months ago, the future of Brooklyn’s SUNY Downstate University Hospital was murky and its prospects bleak. But the community and labor came together and now we have more than $1 billion in capital funding that will be used to renovate the hospital and enhance its inpatient services.

“We thank Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature for understanding the importance of Downstate University Hospital to the Brooklyn community and for taking action to secure the hospital’s future. UUP looks forward to working with the governor to quickly resolve outstanding labor protection issues as we collaborate to ensure the hospital’s long-term sustainability.”

UUP is the nation's largest higher education union, with more than 42,000 academic and professional faculty and retirees. UUP members work at 29 New York state-operated campuses, including SUNY’s public teaching hospitals and health science centers in Brooklyn, Long Island and Syracuse. It is an affiliate of NYSUT, the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association, and the AFL-CIO.

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