ALEXANDRIA NIEVES and DAN ORZECHOWSKI
Special to The Leader and News Editor
A bill passed by the New York State Senate and Assembly could cover the cost of salaries, inflationary costs, collective bargaining and mandatory operating costs, protecting the pockets of SUNY and CUNY students.
The “Maintenance of Effort” bill is designed to freeze the tuition and fees for all SUNY and CUNY schools.
The bill, advocated by the SUNY Student Association, has led to tabled petitions throughout SUNY and CUNY schools requesting the bill’s approval. SUNY and CUNY SA presidents have acquired signatures from students from public universities across the state.
The bill is covered with bipartisan support from state legislators. Marc Cohen, president of SUNY SA is also supportive and believes the bill will be signed by Governor Cuomo.
According to Cohen, “New York State would be fulfilling its promise to support high quality and affordable public higher education.”
Cohen insisted that the passage of this bill will solidify Cuomo as “a champion for students in New York State.”
Over the past five years, students at Fredonia have seen slight increases in tuition and fees. Starting in Fall of 2013, in-state tuition was listed at $2,935 and has reached $3,335, starting this semester. This bill will prevent the listed costs from increasing even more.
Cohen added that “the financial burden of public higher education has fallen overwhelmingly onto the shoulders of students and families.”
Earlier this year, Cuomo announced a plan to initiate tuition-free college for New Yorkers. If the MOE bill passes, Cuomo will have continued his efforts to protect student dollars.
The same bill was vetoed by the governor in 2015. In Cuomo’s defense, if the bill was signed that year, the state’s financial plan would have been negatively impacted.
Back in 2011, a five-year “rational tuition plan” including the Tuition Assistance Program, and a Capital Challenge Grant Program was set in place until 2016.
At the time of his veto, Cuomo explained that “imposing new MOE requirements would obligate the State to continue General Fund support for SUNY hospitals and various other operating costs.”
Now that the five-year plan has expired, the bill is likely to be signed into effect.
“MOE gives students hope that they will be able to afford their education, now and in the future,” said Cohen. He would be “overjoyed” if this provision gets the governor’s approval.