Simpson Voices Budget Concerns BUFFALO (wned) - New York State must provide long-term investment and regulatory reform in order for the University at Buffalo to achieve its goals.

That was the message delivered Wednesday by University at Buffalo President John Simpson in his third annual Community Address.

Simpson says outdated and inefficient state policies are holding the university back as it strives to achieve its 20-20 plan.

"We must unite our voices to tell Albany what we need for our region. We must tell Albany that a knowledge based economy is the solution to our challenges. We must tell Albany that now is the time to make the policy changes and make the investments that will transform U-B from being a very good university to being a great research university," Simpson said.

U-B faces a potential cut of $20 million in state support. While he says he understands the state's difficult fiscal condition, Simpson says Albany can help U-B through low-cost deregulation of land and equipment.

The president is also calling for a more rational tuition policy to avoid what he calls "tuition roulette." He says small and regular tuition hikes should replace the large and unpredictable increases that have become common in recent years.

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