Higher Education

Graduation Day photo
We live in a representative democracy — we choose our representatives, and they make policy choices on our behalf. Central to the success of any democracy is the ability of its people to be adequately informed about the issues of the day and the way in which their government works. In addition, an advanced society such as ours relies on the intellect and skills of its people to boost its economic vitality.

An important component to such successes is a quality, affordable system of higher education. NYPIRG has long promoted access to affordable, high quality college education for all students. Working with our sister organization, we have offered analyses that help make the case for enhanced state support for higher education institutions, both public and independent.

NY budget proposals throw ‘make polluters pay’ environmental legislation into uncertainty  (WAER, March 15, 2024)
New York legislators and transparency advocates call for stronger Freedom of Information Laws  (QNS.com, March 14, 2024)
Statements In Support Of The 2024 Senate Majority One-House Budget Proposal  (Harlem World Magazine, March 13, 2024)
Calling for change to NY's 'broken' public records request system  (Niagara Gazette, March 12, 2024)
Anne Rabe of the New York Public Interest Research Group about the differences in climate-related aspects of the budgets proposed by the New York Assembly and the New York Senate  (Hudson Mohawk Magazine, March 12, 2024)
Will the Legislature "kick the can" on climate costs?  (WAMC, March 11, 2024)
During 'Sunshine Week', good government groups urge reform of New York's public records law  (The Buffalo News, March 11, 2024)
Advocates seek ban on 'unfair' business practices in N.Y.  (Albany Times-Union, March 10, 2024)
A Superfund for climate? These states are pushing for it.  (E&E News, March 6, 2024)
Dealing with New York's "other" crisis: The trash tsunami  (WAMC, March 4, 2024)
Legislature must address 'junk fees' this session  (Albany Times-Union, March 4, 2024)
SUNY, CUNY advocates call for more funding in state budget  (Albany Times-Union, February 29, 2024)
Which states could get new congressional maps in 2024?  (ABC News, February 29, 2024)
New York's consequential week  (WAMC, February 26, 2024)
New York legislators give thumbs down to IRC-drawn congressional maps  (Spectrum News, February 26, 2024)
NY still waiting on Congressional map approval  (WABC News 10, February 23, 2024)
New York lawmakers urged to reject Hochul's power grab  (The Center Square, February 21, 2024)
HealthyNYC: A Model for Health Policies in Other Cities  (Medriva, February 21, 2024)
NYPIRG survey indicates N.Y. students need more assistance with healthcare  (The Daily Orange, February 20, 2024)
Cuomo is back in court to protect his $5 million book deal  (WAMC, February 19, 2024)
News Archive
NYPIRG and Other Transparency Advocates Urge Legislature and Governor to Strengthen Freedom of Information Law for Sunshine Week
Release: Assembly One-House Budget Bill Shows House Rejected Inclusion of Popular “Make Polluters Pay” Climate Change Superfund Act. Organizations Ask: Why Are the Assembly and Governor Shielding Big Oil Climate Polluters Instead of Protecting NYS Taxpayers?
News Release: Youth, Faith & Environmental Groups Join with Legislators to Call for “Make Polluters Pay” Bill Requiring Big Oil to Fund Climate Crisis Costs to be Included in Senate and Assembly One-House Budgets Also: Check out NYPIRG's New Video Illustrating the Need to Make Corporate Polluters Pay
Video Release: Make Polluters Pay!
NEWS RELEASE: NYPIRG Releases “Small Claims, Small Changes: A Survey of Albany Small Claims Court 45 Years Later”
A NYPIRG report documenting a survey of litigants who participated in cases in the City of Albany Small Claims Court in 2021 shows the challenges facing consumers using the system.
NEWS RELEASE: NYPIRG Reacts to Governor Hochul's Budget Plan

Over 300 Business, Civic, Environmental, and Youth Groups Call on Governor Hochul to Modernize State Returnable Container Law (“Bottle Bill”)

Groups Urge Inclusion in the State Budget Due to Need for Enhanced Enforcement and Immediate Action to Increase Current Redeemed Beverage Container “Handling Fee”

NYPIRG Statement on the Passing of Sidney Wolfe, MD, Founder of Public Citizen’s Health Research Group
Today, a coalition of elected officials, youth leaders, and community organizations led by NYPIRG called on Governor Hochul to include the Climate Change Superfund Act in her upcoming budget. The Climate Superfund assesses the largest oil companies for the state's mounting climate-related expenses and does so in a way that protects the public from increased costs.
RELEASE: Another Storm, More Costs to NY Taxpayers: Will Governor Hochul Make Big Oil Pay? A coalition of groups today called on Governor Hochul to make the oil companies pick up the tab for the costs of NY's climate damages after another deadly storm that caused widespread damage to New York State.
NYPIRG and a coalition of environmental organizations and local elected officials today released a review of the climate costs facing New York City and called on Governor Hochul to make the biggest oil companies – not local taxpayers – pay to cover climate damages
NYPIRG Celebrated Its Five Decades of Victories and College Student Empowerment
Author and Activist Jane Fonda, Community Service Society’s David Jones, State Senator Liz Krueger, U.S. Sen. Schumer’s State Director Martin Brennan, and New Deal Strategies’ Camille Rivera Received NYPIRG's “changemaker” Awards
Climate Superfund News Conferences: Taxpayer Tally of Climate Costs Since 8/2022 is $2.7 Billion
NYPIRG Statement on the Death of Ryan Thoresen Carson
The biblical rains that are devastating parts of the state are fresh evidence that the costs of adapting New York's infrastructure to the world climate’s "new abnormal" will be staggering. Legislation -- approved by the Senate (S.2129A) -- would require the largest oil companies to help pick up the tab and do it in a manner that will stop them from passing the costs on to consumers. Read NYPIRG's statement on downstate's devastating floods.
Advocates and Business call on Governor Hochul and DEC to release grant funds to struggling Bottle Redemption Businesses
Thousands Join March to End Fossil Fuels, Demand Biden Declare Climate Emergency & Phase Out Plan
NYers face hundreds of millions of dollars in climate costs while big oil racks up huge profits, nearly three-quarters of a trillion dollars over past 30 months
NYPIRG 50th Anniversary, Celebrating Five Decades of Victories and College Student Empowerment, Will Be Held on October 13th in NYC – Author and Activist Jane Fonda, Community Service Society's David Jones, State Senator Liz Krueger, U.S. Sen. Schumer's State Director Martin Brennan, and New Deal Strategies' Camille Rivera to Receive NYPIRG's "Changemaker" Awards
Reports & Features Archive