Friday, October 6, 2017

Cuomo Applauds SUNY Board of Trustees for Authorizing In-State Tuition for Students Displaced by Hurricanes



Governor Andrew Cuomo, Representative Nydia M. Velázquez, and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, co-chairs of the Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort, today released the following the statements after the SUNY Board of Trustees authorized in-state tuition for students from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands displaced by Hurricanes Maria and Irma.

"In the wake of the devastation of Hurricanes Maria and Irma, I applaud the SUNY Board for responding to my call and agreeing to offer in-state tuition to students from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands who have been displaced by the storms," Governor Cuomo said. "This action will alleviate a huge burden for families repairing and rebuilding their lives, and it will ensure that young people can continue their college education. Today, New York is stepping up to the plate to support our brothers and sisters in need. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands face a long and difficult path to recovery, but it is a path that we will walk together every step of the way."

Representative Velázquez said, "As the Island rebuilds, many Puerto Ricans will be rebuilding and restarting their lives. Puerto Rico and New York share deep, unbreakable ties and, in Maria's wake, we can be certain many of our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters will relocate to New York, some temporarily and many for longer periods. We must do all we can to help and welcome them. Providing in-state tuition is just one way to ensure our fellow citizens are able to make this transition."

Assemblyman Crespo said, "The obliteration of normal life on Puerto Rico is causing many hardships, including creating barriers to the higher education dreams of its college students. Today, SUNY has once again delivered decisive action at a time of great need and one that will further the education of displaced college students from Puerto Rico. The decision by SUNY Board of Trustees, under the leadership of Chairman McCall and Chancellor Johnson, to facilitate the continuous and uninterrupted study of Puerto Rican college students in New York is a proud moment for this great institution and welcomed by everyone displaced by the disaster caused by Hurricane Maria."

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

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