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Concerned New Yorkers: Urge the governor to take action on SUNY funding

Urge Gov. Paterson to review the University's plan to implement reductions in state funding to the State University's state-operated campuses.

September 09, 2010

Subject:
Stop the state's demands on SUNY funding

Governor Paterson:

As a New York state taxpayer, I am concerned about the impact of the $148 million reduction in state funding to the State University's state-operated campuses. I am most worried about the magnitude of the cuts, and SUNY's practice of applying reductions on a proportionate basis to all programs and institutions - regardless of priority or relationship to its core mission. I urge you to review the University's plan for implementing these cuts.

As you know, SUNY was founded more than 60 years ago to help ensure that baccalaureate and graduate degree programs of quality would be available to every qualified student in New York State, regardless of ability to pay. That remains SUNY's core mission. But years of underfunding - coupled with soaring demand for admission - have caused the number of full-time faculty to plummet and have eroded SUNY's mission. More cutbacks will surely force SUNY to deny admission to thousands of qualified applicants, and delay graduations for thousands of others. Education delayed is education denied. I am counting on you to ensure that SUNY lives up to its core academic mission to ensure access to quality public higher education for New Yorkers.

One of the best investments our state can make is investing in SUNY, the State University of New York. SUNY is the key to our future and can unlock the economic potential of New York by producing an educated and talented workforce that employers are looking for.

Thank you for your continued commitment to SUNY.

Sincerely,

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