State LEGISLATURE PASSES Budget/ NIXES "EMPOWERMENT" ACT.  On Tuesday, 8/3/10, the New York State Legislature finally passed a budget—and it did not include the “Public Higher Education Empowerment and Innovation Act,” the plan to charge different tuition for different majors and to replace public funding for CUNY and SUNY with private tuition dollars. The PSC strongly opposed PHEEIA.  Details.

State Budget Cuts:  While stopping PHEEIA was a major victory, the budget approved by the Legislature currently includes funding reductions for CUNY senior and community colleges. There is, however, some possibility these reductions can be mitigated if federal legislation for increased funding to the states passes this week. The PSC will do everything we can do to resist reductions and to protect the interests of our members and of CUNY students.

U.S. Senate Acts to Save Teacher Jobs:  By a 61-39 vote, the U.S. Senate approved $26 billion in aid for cash-strapped states August 5. The measure provides $10 billion that will help avert layoffs of more than 100,000 teachers and school support personnel across the country, including 7,100 K-12 education workers in New York State. It also contains $16 billion to help states defray Medicaid expenses, including $2 billion for New York. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has called members back to Washington on Tuesday, August 10, to vote on the measure. If it passes the House as expected, it will be sent to President Obama, who supports the legislation. To contact your Congressperson about this crucial vote, click here.

CITY BUDGET UPDATE.  The City budget for CUNY, passed on Tuesday 6/29, is welcomed good news.  CUNY community college base aid was increased over last year’s budget; a significant victory in this difficult budget climate.  There were some disappointments, too.  Full update.