On behalf of CUNY’s 260,000 undergraduate and graduate students and 40,000 faculty and staff, I thank Governor Hochul and our state’s legislative leaders for their agreement on a transformative spending plan that will deliver historic levels of support to our University, an investment that I believe is pivotal to the state’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
The adopted budget includes a $1.2 billion increase for CUNY over FY 2022, the largest and most consequential expansion of public support for post-secondary education in years, and will enable the University to make major strides for our students. The plan provides funds that will extend the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to tens of thousands of part-time students; allows CUNY to add about 540 full-time faculty members; expands mental health services, childcare centers, nursing programs, and other student supports including the vital SEEK opportunity program; and includes $965.8 million in capital funds for needed improvements and critical maintenance of facilities at our campuses. In addressing these pressing needs and others, the adopted budget represents a critical commitment to the future of CUNY, and to public higher education in New York.
We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership in setting the tone with a first executive budget that she described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in our future.” In proposing record funding increases for CUNY, the Governor’s executive budget recognized the University’s historical mission of providing high-quality, affordable education to New Yorkers of all backgrounds and means, and the central role CUNY and its colleges play in the health and economic success of New York.
We are also grateful to our state legislators for building on the Governor’s bold vision. We thank Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Heastie, Senate Higher Education Chair Stavisky, Assembly Higher Education Chair Glick, and their legislative colleagues. We also thank the many partners, stakeholders, and CUNY students, alumni, faculty, and staff who believe so deeply in CUNY’s mission.”
By Félix V. Matos Rodríguez
