Gov. David A. Paterson proposed an emergency budget plan to reduce this fiscal year's $1.5 billion deficit on Wednesday that included cuts in aid to education and health care.
Most striking for students are the tuition increases to the State University of New York (SUNY) system that could go into effect for the spring semester if the state legislature approves it.
Paterson is seeking a $600 annual tuition increase, beginning with a $300 increase next semester.
This money, along with cuts in aid to school districts and hospitals, and reductions in pork barrel spending among other things, would amount to a $2 billion revenue savings by April. The projected budget deficit for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, which begins April 1, is $12.5 billion.
The proposed tuition increase comes after a 10.3 percent cut in funding to SUNY this year that led to a university-wide hiring and spending freeze at UB that is still in effect.
According to President John B. Simpson, talks over the rational tuition plan that was endorsed by the SUNY Student Assembly this semester have halted. The rational tuition plan would have implemented moderate tuition increases annually.
The last time tuition increased was in 2003, when in-state students saw their bills go up by $950, putting the price at the current $4,350 per year.
A special meeting of the New York State Legislature will take place next week.
Look for more in-depth coverage of the state budget cuts' impact on UB in Monday's issue.
