What's In a Name Part 2: Ken LaValle School of Law?

As my colleague Beth Foster and I point out in an op-ed in today's Daily News, there's a troubling trend afoot in the state. Several public schools and their multi-mullion dollar facilities are named after sitting legislators who steer funding their way.

Now comes news that this year's budget has $45 million for a law school at SUNY Stony Brook , thanks to state Senator Ken LaValle. The senator's name already graces the university's $22 million outdoor stadium, which seats over 8,000. (Photo below.)

The law school appropriation is listed in the Education, Labor and Family Assistance Budget Bill (S 6803-D/A 9803-D), which is available here and listed under "Budget Bills" (direct link unavailable).

Can the Ken LaValle School of Law be next? We hope not.