Quality education is critical for upward economic mobility and stable jobs. New York is blessed with public university systems that allow access to affordable degrees at a fraction of the cost compared to private school. But both SUNY and CUNY are in desperate need of funding. For example, SUNY New Paltz has a $8 million deficit while Fredonia and Potsdam recently announced large budget cuts.

Continued divestment by state lawmakers will lead campuses to raise tuition and pass the debt directly onto students. Increased tuition will make it more difficult for working-class families to establish basic economic security.

Investing more of the state budget to cover the cost of rising prices while allowing for SUNY and CUNY schools to further invest into quality programs is one of the many steps we can take to ensure education remains affordable and accessible in New York State. Proposed legislation,such as capital gains tax, and a billionaires tax would raise the appropriate funds needed to quell the deficit.

More funding to our SUNY and CUNY schools will allow more people the access to education, which improves access to jobs for low-income communities, create a better educated workforce, and allow workers to receive specialized training for their careers. Investment in our education helps us improve our quality of life and is a guarantee of a better future for the generations to come.

It is up to Governor Hochul, Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson, and Senator Rob Rolison to take action and invest in the future of New Yorkers.