The SUNY Student Assembly issued the following statement today:
“SUNY students are pleased to see enhanced support for key programs and campus operations in the Assembly and Senate one house budget proposals.
“The Assembly and Senate both took powerful steps through their budgets in recognizing the systemic underfunding created by the TAP Gap. While the state must work over the long term to completely close the gap, we urge the Senate and Governor to adopt the Assembly’s proposal for $12.8 million in support to offset lost campus revenue from the SUNY Tuition Credit.
“The Student Assembly applauds the Assembly and Senate majorities for restoring the $5.4 million cut proposed in the executive budget to SUNY’s Educational Opportunity Program, and the $7 million proposed cut to Educational Opportunity Centers. We also appreciate the additional $5.4 million increase for EOP beyond last year’s funding level proposed by the Assembly. Thousands of SUNY students depend on EOP and EOCs to thrive in our system- and their success is worth the investment. We urge the Governor to support fully funding all opportunity programs in the final enacted budget.
“SUNY’s community college students deeply appreciate the Assembly’s proposal to guarantee 98% of prior year funding for each of our thirty community colleges. Without this guarantee, all of our community colleges could potentially face declining state support next year. We urge the Senate and Governor to guarantee the support our community colleges need to offer high quality and accessible academic programs to students across the state.
“The Assembly’s proposal to appropriate $500 million in additional support for capital on SUNY’s state-operated campuses is also strongly welcome. It is essential that a long-term plan be instituted for campus infrastructure. SUNY must be able to offer world-class facilities and resources in order to attract the best and brightest minds from around the world.
“Students also strongly support proposed expansions to eligibility for the Tuition Assistance Program in the Senate’s budget. Raising the maximum award and income thresholds will put a SUNY education within reach for more New Yorkers. We strongly urge the Assembly and Governor to support TAP expansion.
“We appreciate the support given in both one houses for restoring funding for SUNY’s telecounseling network. This important program is helping fill a gap in psychiatric services for students who need them. We implore the Governor to protect this vital program in the enacted budget.
“As the budget process continues, we urge Governor Cuomo, Speaker Heastie, and Leader Stewart-Cousins to prioritize support for public higher education in budget negotiations.”
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