While the governor appears to have backed off on mid-year cuts in school aid, he is still pushing for painful mid-year cuts for community colleges. Act now to urge state lawmakers to say no to these mid-year cuts, especially at a time our state's community colleges are experiencing record enrollments and increasing number of applications.
As part of the governor's $1.7 billion 2008-09 Budget Deficit Reduction Plan, the executive is proposing a 10 percent mid-year cut to SUNY and CUNY community college base aid. For SUNY community colleges, this would mean a mid-year cut of $11 million for 2008-2009. For CUNY community colleges, the mid-year cut would be $4.2 million. In the coming academic year, this would mean a further cut of $46 million for SUNY community colleges and $17 million for CUNY.
The governor has indicated he wants to have this reduction plan passed by Feb. 1, so it's crucial for lawmakers to hear from us now.
Click below to send a free fax to your state representatives urging them not to go along with this dangerous plan.