NYPIRG ENVIRONMENT CONSUMER CMAP CAMPUSES FBG VICTORIES

NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release:
Monday, March 6, 2006

COLLEGE STUDENTS GATHER IN ALBANY TO URGE LEGISLATORS TO REJECT GOVERNOR'S PROPOSED TUITION HIKES AND FINANCIAL AID CUTS

STUDENTS CALL FOR INCREASED FUNDING FOR SUNY AND CUNY AND TUITION ASSISTANCE REFORM

College students representing more than 25 campuses across the state gathered in Albany today to meet with their elected representatives to urge them to reject the governor's proposed higher education tuition hikes and financial aid cuts and to increase funding for SUNY, CUNY, and financial aid.

Their message was clear and direct in a letter sent to all 212 legislators:

"It is critical that students be provided with an affordable, accessible and quality higher education. Unfortunately, continued budget cuts and tuition hikes make this reality increasingly more difficult for many New Yorkers.

We understand that New York is still facing future fiscal austerity, but there has been recent good news of about a $3 billion surplus for the current fiscal year. In these circumstances, not only should higher education programs be saved from the budget chopping block, but funding for TAP, opportunity programs and colleges should be increased."
(Please see attached letter for more details.)

Specifically, the students urged for a final budget for 2006-07 that:

  • Holds the line on tuition and rejects any automatic annual tuition hike scheme.
  • Rejects the governor's TAP proposals and fully fund awards and enhances the program to allow for mid-year adjustments in extenuating circumstances.
  • Further increases funding for SUNY and CUNY by $153.5 million and $67.5 million, respectively, without increasing the tuition burden on students and families.
  • Further increases funding for community colleges by a total of $250 per FTE.
  • Doubles funding for all the opportunity programs as the governor has recommended for STEP and C-STEP.

-30-


top of page | media index | higher education home page | nypirg home


new york state campaign

new york city campaign

national campaign

media

links