SUNY SA Statement on the FY 2019 Executive Budget Proposal

"Investing in public higher education in New York is an investment in the future of our great state. While we understand the financial burden placed on the state by the recent revisions to the federal tax code and spending cuts in Washington, New York’s budget should not be balanced on the backs of the 1.1 million students enrolled in SUNY and CUNY institutions.
 

"The 600,000 students of the State University of New York are encouraged by, and grateful for, the Governor’s continued commitment to initiatives held dear by SUNY students including the DREAM Act, food security, funding for Open Educational Resources, and the expansion of the Excelsior Scholarship. We look forward to working with him and advocating for the enactment of these provisions by the Legislature.
 

"We are disappointed by cuts to mental health services on campuses, the lack of a true maintenance of effort by the state in SUNY funding, and cuts to opportunity programs which help so many disadvantaged students in New York achieve a college education. We would like to see the Legislature restore funding for mental health services and opportunity programs, and push for a greater state commitment to SUNY through a true maintenance of effort."
 

The Student Assembly of the State University of New York (SUNY SA) is the recognized student government organization representing the nearly 600,000 students of the State University of New York. Comprised of student leaders elected by their peers from across SUNY’s 64 campuses, SUNY SA is committed to empowering students throughout the state, and ensuring the representation of its members on the state and national level, as well as throughout the SUNY system.
 

Source: SUNY SA