Lupinacci Tackles Governor's Increased Price Tag for SUNY and CUNY

Assemblyman and Ranking Member of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education Chad A. Lupinacci (R,C,I, Ref.–South Huntington) participated in a joint hearing on Tuesday to discuss the proposed funding for SUNY and CUNY, as outlined in Governor Cuomo’s Executive Budget proposal. While funding and tuition for New York’s public universities will increase, there has been much debate surrounding the proposed plan to offer free college tuition to individuals meeting certain income requirements.

“The SUNY and CUNY systems are an essential asset to New York residents seeking an affordable education. This program is of critical importance to myself as well as the entire legislature,” said Lupinacci. “Over recent years the price of education, whether private or public, has soared. For too long we have neglected our students and placed thousands of New Yorkers beneath an avalanche of student loan debt.

“The Excelsior Scholarship Program and the Governor’s higher education proposals are more than meets the eye. Though intended to expand educational opportunities to low income and middle class families throughout the State, the proposal simply shifts costs to taxpayers and will eventually drive up tuition. Also, according to Chancellor Nancy Zimpher, the Governor’s proposal has no estimate of taxpayer cost per-student, neglects students taking fewer than fifteen credits each semester, and does not have any residency requirements. Unfortunately, today’s hearing with Chancellor Zimpher left more questions than answers and revealed just how flawed this proposal may be. It’s time for us to address the real issues that face our state’s higher education system, not shoot for partisan headlines.

“It’s important that private colleges and the SUNY and CUNY systems serve students from all income levels. I have proposed legislation that would expand the state’s Tuition Assistance Program to a greater number of families, while also offering scholarship opportunities which equate to a full year of college tuition cost. During this upcoming session, I will remain committed to making higher education a reality for all New Yorkers, which begins through the use of innovative, effective and responsible methods to combat higher-education costs.”

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