I know everyone’s on the edge of their seats waiting for the marriage equality vote, but there’s other important voting going on in the state Senate.
The chamber just passed the SUNY 2020 bill (
and is discussing a proposed 2% property tax cap as we speak
).
To summarize, under the bill, Buffalo, Stony Brook, Binghamton and Albany can apply to Gov. Cuomo and the SUNY Chancellor for access to $140 million in capital funds. Each University Center will get $35 million.
The bill lets SUNY trustees boost tuition by up to $300 per year for five years, ending in the 2015-16 academic year. SUNY trustees could also increase out-of-state undergrad tuition up to 10%. CUNY, the city system, is also authorized to increase tuition by up to $300 per year for five years.
“SUNY’s University Centers are at the heart of economic development efforts in Western New York, the Southern Tier, the Capital Region and Long Island,” Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos said in a statement. “This plan will help provide much-needed economic and capital investments in the SUNY centers to help them expand and create new jobs. It also has the additional benefit of providing a stable and predictable tuition so students won’t see unpredictable spikes in SUNY tuition and can plan appropriately for their education.”
