Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is making a renewed push for legislation that would create a $200 million fund to help business incubators and startup companies, but the bill could fall victim to politics.
The America Innovate Act was introduced in April and has yet to gain much traction in Congress. Gillibrand made multiple stops around New York state Thursday to announce that she's still trying. But with any new federal spending proposals being met in Washington with skepticism, the legislation faces long odds.
SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator President Robert Fritzinger wants the legislation to go through, but has his doubts.
"We're pragmatists about this," Fritzinger said. "This is Washington and it's the political season. I don't anticipate that this goes through quickly."
Gillibrand stopped by the Fredonia incubator and met with small businesses in Albany.
At the same time, the first term Democrat is also knee-deep in her re-election campaign against Republican Wendy Long.