Syracuse was one of 20 locations statewide Friday where members of Governor Cuomo’s cabinet delivered the his state of the state message and budget agenda. Commissioner of the state’s department of civil service Jerry Boone made his presentation at the SUNY Educational Opportunity Center.
He echoed much of Cuomo’s message on education reform, including some staggering numbers about failing schools. He says average statewide graduation rate is just over 76%; but it’s only around 47% in failing schools…
SUNY EOC Director Penix applauds the governor’s efforts to improve graduation rates. Still, he says they’re ready to serve as a pipeline for graduates and drop-outs who need workforce or college readiness.
Commissioner Boone says the governor takes pride in sharp rise in the hiring of minority and women owned businesses over the past few years…from 10 percent in 2010 to 25 percent in 2014…
"So, [the] governor's raised the bar to 30%, again, leading the nation in terms of that increased target. So, out of some $8 billion plus spent every year in New York State on contracting and projects, $2.4 billion is targeted for minority and women owned businesses."
But Syracuse entrepreneur and activist Walt Dixie told the commissioner while those numbers are encouraging, he’s not seeing similar results here. He also says it’s difficult for MWBE to get a seat at the table and compete in the regional economic development awards.
