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Modest Restorations
On Wednesday, June 29 the City Council passed a budget that fell short of restoring necessary funding for CUNY community colleges and student aid. Thanks to PSC’s advocacy, the Council added $25.25 million to the Mayor’s proposed allocation for CUNY community college operating support. That amount, however, barely exceeds the restoration that state law obligates the city to provide. While this is an increase over the Mayor’s proposed budget, it does little to defray the cost of growing enrollments, new community college expenses and other inflationary costs. Funding for Vallone Scholarships, the City’s merit-based financial aid program, was also eliminated.
Statement from Dr. Barbara Bowen, PSC President
“While we recognize there were some limitations on what the Council could do, the budget passed this morning will reduce access to CUNY for some of the neediest students and will undermine quality of education. When the City has a budget surplus, it is illogical and unacceptable to impose cuts on CUNY and other services for the poor and middle class. We will continue to oppose the artificial austerity of New York budgets.”
