Statement from SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher

Contact: David Henahan; David.Henahan@suny.edu

Office of Communications
State University of New York
State University Plaza, Albany, NY 12246
518-320-1311
www.suny.edu

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, June 30, 2010

“I remain optimistic about the Public Higher Education Empowerment and Innovation Act. The Empowerment Act, combined with our new strategic plan, The Power of SUNY, will enable the entire SUNY system to be an engine for the economic revitalization of New York while enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

“SUNY is also committed to access and affordability. This is evidenced by the Board of Trustees' recommendation to hold the in-state undergraduate tuition increase to only two percent, and our pledge to make up the difference as $5,070 per year pierces the ceiling of the Tuition Assistance Program.

“Governor Paterson and the state Division of the Budget deserve our praise for introducing the most important reforms to SUNY since its founding, and our campus presidents have been steadfast in their advocacy of the legislation.

“I thank SUNY students, SUNY faculty, many state legislators, the building trades unions, private industry, economic development and good government groups and New York's local governments and communities for their unwavering support for the Act.”

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