During his budget address, Governor Andrew Cuomo presented a contingency plan – a budget he would implement if the federal government didn’t provide New York with $15 billion in unrestricted aid.   

That kind of budgeting is unacceptable when it comes to the State University of New York, said Dr. Fred Kowal. 

And more than that, “it is negligent” he told lawmakers.

Kowal, president of United University Professions, testified during the higher education budget hearing that the governor has “essentially tied the well-being and future of SUNY directly to the outright uncertainty of the impact of the pandemic on New York.”

If the state doesn’t receive $12 or $15 billion in support from Washington, Cuomo’s executive budget proposes a 5% cut to SUNY’s general operating support, which is the equivalent to $46 million.

But even if the state receives all the aid that Cuomo is requesting, Kowal told Capital Tonight that SUNY will still be out the 5% in funding that the budget division withheld during the current fiscal year.

In response to the governor’s budget, UUP has launched a campaign called NY HEALS, a comprehensive vision for SUNY that encompasses health care, education, access, leadership and sustainability, which you can read here.

Kowal also told Capital Tonight that he is concerned the sexual harassment allegations against the governor could derail budget negotiations, which are critical.   

“We as a union take the accusations of sexual harassment very seriously. These investigations must move forward at the same time the business of the state must move forward,” he said. “This is why we are asking the legislative leaders to quickly move on passing a progressive budget.”