Students not liely to by new comps because of student tax in SUNY

[WhyChooseHP]

SUNY officials balk at tuition hike use
Only 10 percent of increase slated for state schools By Cara Matthews • Albany Bureau • February 5, 2009 ALBANY - State University of New York officials and students said Wednesday they are unhappy they will benefit from just 10 percent of this semester's tuition hike and vowed to fight harder to get all of it in the 2009-10 budget. The Legislature and Gov. David A. Paterson agreed Tuesday to patch a $1.6 billion hole in the current budget year, which ends March 31. The state will reduce SUNY's operating funds by 90 percent of what the $620-per-year tuition hike collects this semester, for a savings  of $62 million. The net savings will be $53 million because the new rate will be factored into the Tuition Assistance Program. "I am very upset with the fact that tuition money  has been swept into the general fund to help defray the deficit," said Carl Hayden of Elmira, chairman of SUNY's Board of Trustees. "My personal view is that it is a breach of faith with SUNY students and their families." Hayden said he understands everyone must sacrifice in difficult times, but "tuition money is trust money. It is money paid for by families for preserving the quality of education." SUNY trustees voted last year to boost tuition by $620 a year, or 14 percent, to $4,970. The first half was due this semester. Their intention was to keep the extra money to help offset some of more than $210 million in state funding reductions this fiscal year. Paterson's 2009-10 proposed budget reduces SUNY operating funds by 80 percent of what is collected in higher tuition. That would leave $122 million for the state to help reduce the projected $13 billion deficit. The governor's recommended budget would reduce SUNY's budget by $140 million next year, according to SUNY. That includes a 10 percent reduction in aid to community colleges , use of campus revenue funds, and other measures. Matt Anderson, a spokesman for Paterson's Budget Division, defended the use of new tuition money.

"It is important to note, however, that this proposal represents the first time in recent state history that a tuition increase will provide for an expanded investment in the SUNY system, which is a fundamental break from past practice and an important step forward," he said.