Today, Speaker Sheldon Silver announced that additional funding will be included in the Assembly budget proposal for SUNY and CUNY community colleges. The plan includes an additional $150 per full-time equivalent (FTE) student to raise the total community college base aid to $2,422 per FTE. The proposal also includes the restoration of more than $1.5 million for SUNY and CUNY child care centers which provide vital assistance to parents who attend college.

"In order to promote higher education as an affordable option for everyone, we must start at the community college level," said Silver. "The Assembly Majority strongly believes that raising community college aid is vital to our future educational and economic success."

Higher Education Committee Chair Deborah J. Glick said, "This increase will help keep the door open to a college education for students across New York State who are struggling financially. By raising community college aid, we are reducing a financial burden for both our students and municipalities."

The Assembly's appropriation to raise community college aid by $150 per FTE is an attempt to help return to the 2008-2009 funding levels. Funding for community colleges is based on the number of enrolled students.