NYS Seal

ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

SUBJECT:
Financing Public Higher Education in New York State

PURPOSE:
To examine the impact of the 2011-12 State Budget and subsequent tuition policy (Chapter 260 of the Laws of 2011) on the academic missions of New York's public university systems.

October 26, 2011
10:30 A.M.
Hamilton Hearing Room B, 2nd Floor
Legislative Office Building
Albany, New York

During an economic downturn, balancing the priorities of keeping our public university systems both accessible and affordable while maintaining quality academic programs is an increasingly difficult task. In 2011-12, and in prior fiscal years, the New York State Budget has contained reductions in state spending for higher education. Chapter 260 of 2011 provided additional funding to both public university systems through increases in student tuition along with a commitment for the state to maintain its funding efforts in future years. Adequately funding higher education, even during tough times, is one of the most crucial investments that can be made for the future of New York State as our economy depends on a well-educated and highly skilled workforce to compete in a global economy.

Ensuring that our public university systems remain a competitive and affordable option so that all students have access to a quality college education has always been a priority for the Assembly Higher Education Committee. This hearing will seek testimony on ways to further this goal and assess the needs of our state and city university systems moving forward.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation. Fifteen copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements. In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Legislature, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Legislative facilities and activities.

Hon. Deborah J. Glick
Member of Assembly
Chairperson
Committee on Higher Education


PUBLIC HEARING REPLY FORM

Persons invited to present testimony at the public hearing Financing Public Higher Education in New York State are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to:

Nathaniel Jenkins
Principal Committee Assistant
Assembly Committee on Higher Education
Alfred E. Smith Building, Suite 1147
Albany, New York 12248
Email: jenkinsn@assembly.state.ny.us
Phone: (518) 455-4881
Fax: (518) 455-4128
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I plan to attend the following public hearing on Financing Public Higher Education in New York State to be conducted by the Higher Education Committee on October 26, 2011.
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I plan to make a public statement at the hearing. I will answer any questions which may arise. I will provide 15 copies of my prepared statement.
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I will address my remarks to the following subjects:

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I do not plan to attend the above hearing.
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I would like to be added to the Committee's mailing list for notices and reports.
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I would like to be removed from the Committee's mailing list.
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I will require assistance and/or handicapped accessibility information. Please specify the type of assistance required:

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