ALBANY, N.Y. (May 3, 2023) – Lola W. Brabham, President of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York (CICU), has released the following statement in response to the New York State FY 2024 Enacted Budget:
“We appreciate the diligence and hard work of Governor Hochul and the State Legislature in delivering a budget that supports New York’s independent higher education sector. The investments made in the FY 2024 Budget help support New York’s college students and ensure that more students succeed in their pursuit of higher education,” said Lola W. Brabham, President of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities of New York (CICU). She added, “The FY 2024 Budget makes important investments in the Higher Education Capital (HECap) Matching Grant Program and funding for Students with Disabilities. We are also pleased that the FY 2024 Budget restores proposed funding cuts to Centers for Advanced Technology (CATs), Centers of Excellence (CoEs), and education opportunity programs. These are proven programs that benefit both New York’s college students and New York’s future.”
President Brabham also added, “While we are disappointed that increased funding for vital student aid programs, such as Bundy Aid and the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), was not included, and that the TAP income eligibility limit was not increased in the FY 2024 Budget, we understand the many competing priorities that require attention. We will continue to work with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure all students who want to pursue higher education have a path to do so. Today’s college students are the next generation of entrepreneurs, healthcare workers, and educators and they need New York State’s help to realize their full potential. The most effective way to help them is to invest in student aid.”
###
About the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York: The CICU is a statewide association representing the public policy interests of the chief executives of more than 100 independent colleges and universities in New York State.
Founded in 1956 by a small group of independent college and university presidents, the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU) now represents 100+ independent campuses across New York State. Although not a government agency, CICU is an educational corporation formed under the New York State Regents. Its mission is to develop consensus among a diverse membership and to advance higher education public policy.