Contact: Jay Hershenson 212 794-5317, Michael Arena 212 794-5685

The 2002-2003 State Executive Budget proposes a flat level of appropriation when compared to 2001-2002 funding for the twenty colleges and university professional schools of The City University of New York. No tuition increase is recommended and support is included for the financing of the collective bargaining agreement with District Council 37.

We are pleased that Governor Pataki has proposed that CUNY receive up to $2.5 million for training programs related to business development efforts, through the State Department of Labor budget. We are advised that there are also opportunities for academic institutions to compete for federal funding directed to the State through federal aviation legislation and homeland security programs. These and other economic development projects are being carefully evaluated to determine possible CUNY involvement.

We look forward to working with the Governor and the State Legislature on the proposed
re-structuring of the Tuition Assistance Program(TAP). At CUNY, the availability of student financial aid is a critical factor in student success.

We greatly appreciate the help of Governor Pataki in supporting CUNY initiatives to integrate operating and capital funding to ameliorate the impact of the current State budget. We welcome the support for administrative efficiencies proposed by CUNY to offset the cost of ongoing and new initiatives, consistent with the University's Master Plan.

The University will continue to work closely with the Office of the Governor and the State Legislature to further strengthen the University's role in contributing to the educational,
economic, and social vitality of the City and State