Assemblymember Cahill: Budget Protects Students

June 30, 2010

Albany – Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D- Ulster, Dutchess) announced that after a long budget negotiation, the Legislature passed a plan yesterday that protects New York’s public higher education system. Lawmakers rejected Governor Paterson’s proposal, which would have led to reduced access to higher education, overcrowded classes, delayed graduations and yearly tuition hikes.

“The budget negotiations have been difficult, and many tough choices needed to be made,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “However, we could not in good conscience accept the Governor’s plan to allow SUNY to unilaterally raise tuition by up to nearly 40 percent over the next few years. With our votes, the Assembly maintained our commitment to quality, affordable education by recognizing that tuition hikes should always be a last resort.”

The legislature also blocked the Governor’s attempt to cut funding to the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). The bill passed last night restores $49 million in proposed cuts to the program, including across the board reductions in individual tap awards. The Assembly also approved a $56 million restoration to community college cuts.

“As a graduate of SUNY New Paltz, I know the value of a quality public education. The fundamental founding principle of the SUNY system is equality of opportunity based on academic merit,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “Affordable education, coupled with extra assistance from TAP, is necessary to providing our youth with the tools they need to enter the workforce.”

While the Legislature passed this measure last night, negotiations with the Governor continue.

“Our fight is not over. I will continue to stand up for SUNY and our Community Colleges to ensure that the Governor does not balance the budget on the backs of students,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “These institutions are New York’s most effective engine of opportunity and economic growth.”

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