NYPIRG ENVIRONMENT CONSUMER CMAP CAMPUSES FBG VICTORIES

NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release:
Monday, March 27, 2006

NYPIRG: BEST BUDGET FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN A GENERATION

IMPORTANT REFORM TO TAP TO BETTER MEET NEEDS OF TODAY'S COLLEGE SUDENTS

URGE GOVERNOR TO SUPPORT EFFORTS TO HOLD LINE ON TUITION, ENHANCE FINANCIAL AID, AND INVEST IN COLLEGES

The New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) today released the following statement in response to the Senate and Assembly joint budget agreement for higher education for 2006-2007.

"This is the best budget for higher education that New York has seen in a generation," said Miriam Kramer, NYPIRG's government policy analyst. "The governor must sign this legislation into law to leave a legacy of a more affordable, accessible, quality education for New York 's college students and families."

"The Senate and Assembly agreement includes important reforms to the Tuition Assistance Program," added Kramer. "If approved, this budget will allow part-time students to receive grants and students whose family income decreases to adjust their awards in the middle of the year, allowing TAP to better meet the changing needs of today's college students."

The Senate and Assembly joint budget agreement for higher education for 2006-2007 does the following:

  • Holds the line on tuition at CUNY and SUNY.
  • Restores the governor's TAP cuts.
  • Enhances TAP to include funding for eligible part-time students at CUNY, SUNY, and independent colleges.
  • Allows students whose family income changes to adjust their TAP grants in the middle of the year.
  • Provides an additional $167 million for SUNY and CUNY operating aid.
  • Increases funding for the state's community colleges by $175 per FTE (full time equivalent).
  • Increases opportunity program funding by 10%.
  • Increases funding for full-time faculty at SUNY and CUNY.
  • Increases funding for independent colleges through Bundy Aid (Direct Institutional Aid).

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