Updated: We’re still learning the specifics about the deal struck today over NYSUNY 2020, but a few key details are beginning to emerge.
The New York Times reported earlier that the deal includes a fixed $300 tuition increase every year for the next five years.
And a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos told Think that a key provision—keeping any revenue generated from tuition increases at individual campuses—has the support of Skelos, in addition to the Governor and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
“The idea is, especially at the university centers, we want them to keep these funds to invest in economic development,” he said.
The initial bill introduced by Governor Cuomo did not contain any such provision, raising eyebrows across the state and in the Assembly, where Speaker Silver voiced his concerns about its omission.
Actual passage of the bill is expected by the end of the week, he added. The legislative session was supposed to end on Monday, but Governor Cuomo has extended it until crucial bills are addressed, including property tax measures, rent control and same sex marriage in addition to NYSUNY 2020.
Earlier: While some details remain unclear and the vote has yet to officially take place, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Speaker Sheldon Silver, and Majority Leader Dean Skelos have said that they’ve reached a deal that includes the passage of NYSUNY 2020. The bill would raise tuition by 8% each year at Stony Brook University while preserving low prices for families that make under $75,000 dollars.
The money would go to hiring new faculty and improving Stony Brook’s facilities, though it is unknown at this time if SUNY will be subject to another large budget cut in the next five years.
Stay tuned for more coverage as details are made available.
