MCC Daily Tribune

SUNY Statement on the Historic State Budget Commitment to Higher Education

The following joint statement was issued by the SUNY Board of Trustees and Interim Chancellor Dr. Deborah F. Stanley on Saturday, April 9, 2022 in response to the passage of the Fiscal Year 2023 New York State Budget (media release).

“Governor Kathy Hochul prioritized higher education in her State of the State Address and then followed through on that pledge by introducing one of the strongest executive budget proposals in nearly a generation. The new 2022-23 spending plan realizes her vision by making unprecedented investments in our students, campuses, and hospitals with a $255 million increase in operating aid, and more than $660 million in additional capital for SUNY alone.

"We greatly appreciate the tireless efforts of the Governor, as well as our state legislators and their staff for this historic investment. The substantial increase in capital and operating aid will significantly benefit our students by ensuring that SUNY can fulfill its mission of providing a world-class education, continue to build state-of-the art research facilities and classrooms for engineering and other STEM fields, and hire excellent faculty to join our ranks.

"The expansion of the Tuition Assistance Program and direct aid for students and campuses will also throw open the doors of academic opportunity to more New Yorkers than ever, with greater access to the high-quality, affordable education for which our campuses are renowned. Among the bold changes in this budget are Tuition Assistance Program reforms that now include eligibility to financial aid for part-time students, students in non-credit microcredential programs, and incarcerated individuals. Further, this budget supports students with children by removing work requirements for childcare subsidies. This is paired with increasing support for opportunity programs and mental health resources.

The budget also honors the sacrifices SUNY hospitals made by serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis by committing debt service relief for these institutions that provide care to underserved communities. It delivers well-deserved ‘hero grants’ for the healthcare workers who served throughout the pandemic and invests in enrollment, childcare, academic programs, and campus operations. We could not be more pleased that this budget also launches an 18-month study to establish a children's hospital at Downstate Medical Center.

SUNY applauds the Governor, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, our higher education chairs Senator Stavisky and Assembly Member Glick, and all legislators for their unwavering commitment to SUNY. Never before have we seen bigger, broader, or more meaningful investment, and it would not be possible without their efforts, partnership, and confidence in our system, alongside the consistent advocacy of our presidents, students, faculty, and staff.”

Rosanna Yule
Community Relations
04/11/2022