STUDENT LEADERS MEET WITH PATAKI ADMINISTRATION, KEY LEGISLATIVE STAFF ON 2001/2002 HIGHER EDUCATION BUDGET

Student leaders from the State University of New York (SUNY), City University of New York (CUNY), and independent institutions met with Pataki administration officials today to advocate support for higher education in the Governor's 2001/2002 Executive Budget. They also delivered hundreds of letters from voting students urging the Governor not to cut state support for higher education.

"Students realize the importance of the Executive Budget," said Michelle Stern, NYPIRG's Board Chairperson and SUNY Albany student. "Pre-Executive Budget Lobby Day is an opportunity for students to show the Governor and his committees that we are proactive, knowledgeable, and concerned about higher education."

For the second year in a row, students gathered in Albany to voice their concerns before the release of the Executive Budget. The governor consistently proposes cuts to higher education in his budget through reductions in the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), planned hikes in public college tuition, and reduced funding for opportunity programs. For example, last year the Governor recommended a $40 million decrease in TAP, as well as an 18 percent cut for opportunity programs such as HEOP, EOP, SEEK, and CD. He also suggested a $42 million reduction in Direct Institutional Aid (Bundy Aid) to independent colleges. Typically, the legislature restores the proposed cuts.

Students met with representatives from the Governor's office, the Department of Budget, the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), the State Department of Education, and with key higher education legislative staff. Students focused on four main budgetary priorities, and called for increased funding for:
· The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
· Opportunity Programs (HEOP at private schools, EOP at SUNY, SEEK and CD at CUNY)
· Community Colleges
· Direct Institutional Aid to independent institutions (Bundy Aid)

For more information contact Miriam Kramer

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