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New York Representative Josh Riley has voiced strong opposition to the Trump Administration's proposed cuts to federal education spending. Riley, a Democrat representing several upstate communities, including Columbia and Greene counties, spent much of Tuesday (February 18) meeting with organizations and educational institutions that depend on federal funding, such as Delaware Opportunities and SUNY Delhi. Riley emphasized his commitment to securing necessary funds for Upstate New York, stating, "Upstate New Yorkers work hard and pay our taxes - the least we should expect in return is a government that doesn’t screw us over just to give more handouts to billionaires and big corporations."
The Trump Administration's recent actions have raised concerns about the future of federal funding for education and research projects. According to the Adirondack Explorer, a funding freeze was issued on federal grants until they were reviewed for compliance with executive orders. This has created uncertainty for institutions like Paul Smith’s College, which rely on federal grants for their operations.
Riley's stance aligns with other New York representatives who have criticized the administration's cuts to research funding. Congressman Joe Morelle, along with other New York Congressional colleagues, sent a letter to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) opposing the reduction of grant funding for indirect costs. Morelle stated that these cuts threaten jobs and scientific advancements in New York, urging the administration to reverse its decision.