Statement from SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher on Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Executive Budget

“The health and well-being of New York's economy, and more importantly its residents, is of paramount concern to the State University of New York, our Board of Trustees, and all campus presidents. Indeed, New York's fiscal health sits squarely on every page of SUNY's strategic plan.

“Further, we understand the seriousness of New York's financial crisis and agree that everyone must do their part for the good of all New Yorkers. Today, Governor Cuomo laid out an ambitious plan to address the root cause of our State's fiscal problems, and he deserves credit for his effort to make New York live within its means.

“SUNY greatly appreciates the Governor's support for badly needed and long-overdue regulatory relief related to public-private partnerships and procurement. These reforms represent significant future revenue growth opportunities for SUNY.

“However, we remain deeply concerned about our mounting fiscal challenges and how they will impact our ability to provide a quality experience and education for our students. We are particularly concerned about the proposal to eliminate the state subsidy for SUNY's three teaching hospitals. With one million patient visits each year, the cut will severely impair our hospitals' ability to provide care in their communities.

“We will continue to work in close partnership with Governor Cuomo, the legislature, our Board of Trustees, labor and all campus presidents around how best to address our current financial predicament.”

About the State University of New York

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, educating more than 465,000 students in more than 7,500 degree and certificate programs on 64 campuses with more than 2.5 million alumni around the globe. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunity, visit www.suny.edu 

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