Education is a top priority for me. I believe it is absolutely necessary to provide schools with the appropriate funds to acquire quality and affordable facilities and equipment, to avoid overcrowded classrooms, and to attract talented professors and staff. The lack of these most vital components of the education process seriously impedes our student’s ability to learn. It is essential to our society and our economy that we provide our youth with the best possible education to prepare them for the job market so that they can become active members of our economy. I cannot stress enough the importance of providing the best education possible for our college students.

Furthermore, I firmly believe that, given the rising cost of college, we must provide our students with access to multiple sources of college funding, funding that is substantial and accomplishes our goals. I well understand the value of a helping hand. Like so many of you, I was the first one in my family to attend college and I could not have done it without loving parents, my wife Constance, the G.I. Bill, a War Service Scholarship and a NY State Regents Competitive Scholarship. So you can see where I’m coming from when I do everything possible to give our young people access to state scholarships and assistance. TAP, HEOP, SEEK, Discovery and Liberty Partnerships programs’ funding must not be cut and increases should be considered as costs of college keeps rising. We want our children and students coming out of their colleges ready and able to become an active part of our economy, not buried under a mountain of debt.

The crucial role higher education plays in our economy cannot be ignored. CUNY and SUNY universities and colleges become cultural centers that simulate the economy of the cities and towns in which they are located. Additionally, New York public university alumni are very likely to stay in New York becoming permanent and positive fixtures in our economy, paying taxes and raising their families here. For these reasons, it is in the best interest of New York to increase CUNY and SUNY’s operational and capital funding to provide for qualified professors, books, equipment and a better learning environment.

As the only New York City Majority Senator on the Higher Education Committee, I am fighting to ensure that students from our city are able to fulfill their potential through our higher education system. Last year, I was successful in increasing operational and capital aid for CUNY, as well as restoring funding for TAP and the many other opportunity programs that provide students with access to higher education. Additionally, we provided an increase in funding for EOP, HEOP, SEEK, Discovery and Liberty Partnerships programs. I will continue to work to strengthen TAP and the many other funding programs that provide students with educational opportunities and a quality education.

Ensuring the success of New York State’s next generation is a top priority. You can be sure that as we continue to negotiate the state budget, I will be fighting for the Higher Education resources that our students need and deserve.