SUBJECT:

PURPOSE:

Supporting significant State investment in New York's higher education system has long been a priority for the Assembly Higher Education Committee. In 2006, the Assembly reaffirmed that commitment by rejecting the Governor's proposed budget cuts and by overriding the Governor's vetoes to critical higher education funding. The Assembly fought to restore operating aid to SUNY and CUNY, eliminating the Governor's proposed increase in tuition by $500 at SUNY and $300 at CUNY. In addition, after the Governor proposed a $189.8 million decrease in funding for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), the Assembly ensured full restoration of TAP in the final budget.

It is essential that the public university systems remain a competitive and affordable option to ensure that all students have access to a quality college education. This hearing will seek testimony on methods to further that goal, including specific examples of the impact of this year's State support on the systems. Over the years this goal has become more vital as nationally the cost of higher education has become less rather than more affordable for families. Finally, as the State's economy depends on a well-educated workforce, it is increasingly important that a college degree remains within the reach of New York's students in order for the State and its students to remain competitive.

Persons invited to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearings should complete and return the reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Legislature, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Legislative facilities and activities.

PUBLIC HEARING REPLY FORM

Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on the Impact of the 2006-07 State Budget on New York's Public University Systems under the jurisdiction of the Assembly Higher Education Committee are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and email, mail or fax it to:

Lindsey Goodspeed
Committee Assistant
Assembly Committee on Higher Education
Room 513 - Capitol
Albany, New York 12248
Email: goodspl@assembly.state.ny.us
Phone: (518) 455-4881
Fax: (518) 455-4128

I will address my remarks to the following subjects:

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