VICTORY FOR CUNY STUDENTS IN FINAL CITY BUDGET
CUTS RESTORED TO FULL-TIME FACULTY, MERIT SCHOLARSHIP, AND COLLEGE NOW
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DESERVE PRAISE

Mayor Guiliani and the City Council reached an agreement on funding for the 2001-02 higher education budget, restoring essential money to the City University of New York (CUNY). The maintenance of effort was adjusted by $10.5 million, providing $5 million for College Now and $5.5 million for additional full-time faculty lines. In addition, $6.5 million was restored to the New York City Council Academic Scholarship, formerly the City Merit Scholarship.

"We are very happy and relieved with this outcome," exclaimed Camille Rivera, Vice-Chair of NYPIRG's Student Board of Directors. "We commend the Council Members and the Mayor on reaching such a positive budget agreement on higher education."

"With the help of this year's city budget, thousands of students can continue to receive their scholarships as well as a high-quality education at CUNY," added Miriam Kramer, NYPIRG's Higher Education Campaign Coordinator.

NYPIRG praised the Mayor and the City Council for the increased funding for higher education, especially Councilwoman Helen Marshall, Chair of the Higher Education Committee and Councilman Herbert Berman, Chair of the Finance Committee. The restorations and additions will help make college more affordable for current and future students and their families in New York State. NYPIRG will continue the struggle next year to secure even more funding to help provide students with an affordable, accessible, quality higher education.

For more information contact Miriam Kramer