Roswell Park or the Buffalo Bills?

Last week Governor Cuomo made a special trip to Buffalo, where he hoped to gain support for his new budget plan.  Among the usual promises of job creation and improvements to public education, many were surprised that Gov. Cuomo plans to make cuts to Roswell Park, while giving funds to the Buffalo Bills.  He hopes to make Roswell Park fully independent of financial aid by the year 2014.

Many believe the governor's budget proposal is extremely controversial, especially when comparing  the economic contributions of Roswell Park to the Buffalo Bills.  Roswell Park is not only a strong cancer research and treatment center; it also stimulates the economy by acting as a business.  For every $1 of funding that is given to Roswell Park, the institution manages to pump $5 back into the economy.

Last week, Roswell Park unveiled its new trial vaccine that could be the answer to many prayers: a cancer cure.  However, Gov. Cuomo's cuts to Roswell could be a threat to this milestone.  Therefore, many argue that now, more than ever, Roswell should receive funding.

Gov. Cuomo plans to do what it takes to keep the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium, although he has made assurances that no "blank check" will be handed over. In order to keep the Bills in Buffalo, the major plans are believed to include stadium renovations.

Structural improvements to a football stadium versus the success of a leading vaccine that could put an end to one of the most fatal diseases is what seems to lie at the heart of this issue.  Some argue that making Roswell Park financially independent while giving funding to the Buffalo Bills could be a great economic move for the state. But something doesn't quite add up.  Roswell Park is working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year compared to the Buffalo Bills who work four hours a week, seven weeks a year.

While there are no complaints about sending funds Buffalo's way, if having to pick Roswell Park or the Buffalo Bills, the choice is clear – no amount of money given to the Buffalo Bills can bring talent to the franchise. Therefore, give the funding to the organization that truly deserves it, lest Gov. Cuomo's funding becomes like taking a match to money.