SUNY student assembly leader Mike Braun issued this statement in regards to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s higher education budget for the coming year:
”Students appreciate the continued support for multiple key programs in the Governor’s executive budget. The Governor has again proposed expanding access to New York’s financial aid programs for undocumented New Yorkers. We are pleased that the Jose Peralta DREAM Act is finally on track for enactment, expanding opportunity for thousands of students.
“We also applaud renewed investment in Open Educational Resources, which eases the burden of purchasing textbooks for students.
“Students are disappointed, however, in proposed cuts to multiple important programs- and we urge the legislature to act to restore and strengthen them.
“One such program is SUNY’s telecounseling network, which provides psychiatric care to hundreds of students who may not otherwise receive it. Guaranteeing access to proper mental health resources on campus is essential to promoting student safety and academic completion.
“We additionally urge the expansion of funding for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and SUNY’s Educational Opportunity Centers (EOCs). These vital programs give thousands of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to succeed in college. Strengthening EOP and the EOCs would open the door to a higher education to more New Yorkers.
“SUNY’s community colleges are also in need of enhanced state support. Twenty-seven out of thirty community colleges are on track for a reduction in state financial support next year. The Student Assembly stands with SUNY in supporting a revised funding model for community colleges that would establish a floor for funding.
“We look forward to working with the Governor, the Assembly, and the Senate to ensure that SUNY receives the state support students are counting on through this budget cycle.”
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