January 30, 2006

ALBANY, N.Y. January 30, 2006 — New York State United Teachers today appealed to the Legislature to defend SUNY and CUNY from a "grossly inadequate" budget that shifts more of the burden of paying for college onto the backs of middle-class families.

"How are the State University and City University systems going to continue to prepare their students to successfully compete with students from around the world if they are starved for funding year after year?" asked NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi. "The budget the governor proposes for higher education is grossly inadequate and would only drag SUNY and CUNY backwards."

Citing a Labor Department survey that found computer jobs are among the fastest-growing occupations in the state, Iannuzzi said, "We won't be able to fill those jobs with qualified graduates if New York continues to neglect SUNY and CUNY. We must invest heavily in our college and university systems if we are going to meet the challenge."

In testimony before the Senate Finance and Assembly Ways and Means Committees, NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan B. Lubin said the governor is wrongly "shifting the burden to students in the form of higher tuition and fees. Our universities are being forced to scramble for revenue because the state is abdicating its responsibility to properly fund higher education."

Lubin said the governor's spending plan shortchanges SUNY by some $121 million in basic operating aid and is $36 million less than what CUNY needs just to pay for basic academic programs and services. "This is a shameful way to treat middle-class New Yorkers who rely on a strong SUNY and CUNY system to help them pursue their dreams," Lubin added.

Lubin also called for an increase in full-time faculty lines, saying: "SUNY and CUNY need more full-time faculty to advise students, develop curriculum and conduct important research."

Lubin also pushed the Legislature to increase funding to the state's community colleges. He noted that, while New York is legally required to fund 40 percent of the operating costs at community colleges, average state support for 2005-06 did not even reach 30 percent. "The result is higher tuition. Many community college students work to pay their tuition bills, and inadequate state funding just means the education they desire is further from their reach."

NYSUT, the largest union in New York State, represents more than 525,000 classroom teachers and other school employees; academic and professional faculty at the state's community colleges, State University of New York and City University of New York; and other education and health professionals. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO.

CONTACT: NYSUT Media Relations and Communications. (518) 213-6000, Ext. 6313. E-Mail: mediarel@nysutmail.org.

NYSUT.ORG. Copyright New York State United Teachers. 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, New York, 12110-2455. 518.213.6000.