There is renewed hope for continuing funding for the Laser Lab at the University of Rochester.
New York’s two U.S. Senators, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, say that the omnibus budget bill just released includes $75 million for the UR laser lab facility. That is an increase of $7 million over what the lab got in the previous fiscal year.
There had been concerns that the lab would lose its funding over the next three years because of language that was included in some initial federal budget proposals.
Schumer says the inclusion of the $75 million in the omnibus bill will help keep 340 Rochester workers on the job. The next step is for the bill to be considered by both the House and Senate and then the legislation goes to the president for his signature.
Gillibrand says the funding would help ensure that the Rochester region continues to be at the forefront of scientific progress.
