Subject:

Urge lawmakers to invest in SUNY and CUNY — our students, our hospitals and our future workforce depend on it.

Dear Legislator, 

As your constituent and someone who cares deeply about public higher education, I strongly urge you to advocate for increased state investment in SUNY and CUNY. 

Our public universities are essential to New York's future. They train the next generation of teachers, nurses and skilled workers, drive innovation and life-saving research and provide affordable pathways to opportunity for students across the state. But with federal funding under attack and growing financial pressures on campuses, the state must step up to protect these vital institutions. 

Specifically, I urge you to advocate for the following: 

• A $141.8 million increase in operating aid for SUNY campuses so they can hire full-time faculty, advisors and mental health counselors and maintain the programs and student services New Yorkers depend on. 

• A $108 million increase in operating aid for CUNY to address budget shortfalls that threaten academic programs, faculty positions and the support services students need to succeed. 

• Access to 60 tuition- and fee-free credits for all New Yorkers at any SUNY or CUNY campus, so more students can pursue degrees without incurring crushing debt. 

• $157 million to cover debt service and employee fringe benefit costs at SUNY teaching hospitals, Upstate, Downstate and Stony Brook, which train healthcare workers and provide access to quality, affordable care for communities across the state. They must be protected from federal cuts and supported with state funding. 

World-class public higher education is how New York builds its future workforce. I respectfully ask that you bring up these issues with your conference, and I would greatly appreciate a response to this email. 

Sincerely, 

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