On Tuesday, Governor Cuomo released his state budget for 2012-2013. The good news is that his Executive Budget maintains base operating aid funding for community colleges at 2011-12 levels of $2,122 per full-time equivalent student. Given the ongoing state deficit, this is -- in many ways -- a victory for community colleges and underscores the Governor’s recognition of the great opportunity and capacity presented by SUNY’s community colleges *and* his understanding that neither can be realized without state support. MCC is the local college positioned to meet regional needs for affordable access to high quality education, whether students' long-term goals are transfer or direct-entry into a career, and it is heartening to see our work supported. Please know that SUNY system has committed to working with the legislature and the Governor on defining a 5 year funding plan that better balances investment from students, the state, and county sponsors. It is also important to remember that the Executive Budget is a starting point for these discussions in Albany, so whether this recommendation moves forward remains to be seen.
Having said all that, however, the reality is that MCC's costs continue to escalate each year, so level funding from the state, while greatly appreciated, will still leave a gap that must be addressed by the College. This conversation will continue throughout the spring term, informed by the work of the Budget Resource Committee and President's Staff, the roadmap provided by the new Strategic Plan, the needs of our students, and your voices. So, I guess the actual message is ... stay tuned!
What are your thoughts about the Executive Budget and higher education funding in New York? Please share them with me on the
blog.