???The student body of the State University of New York system is putting its feet down on what it feels is an unfair taxing of New York State college students.
???The SUNY Student Assembly (SA) is attempting to collect 100,000 signatures from state residents on a petition against the state's plan to take money away from the SUNY system and using it to fix New York's fiscal deficit.
???"We want to prove to [New York Governor David] Paterson that students want to have an active role in their education," said SUNY SA Delegate Jackie Stern. "We are not just an ATM."
???The petition asserts that it is wrong for the state government to take 90 percent, or $279, of the spring 2009 tuition increase and the state's attempt to take 80 percent, or $496, of the 2009-2010 academic year tuition increase to help fill the government's budget deficit.
???The petition also states that tuition dollars collected by SUNY should stay with the universities and that students are taking more than their fair share of troubles with the current economic crisis.
???Stern hopes that this petition will make students realize that it's important to unite and voice concerns over tuitions hikes such as these.
???"Students have become more apathetic about tuition and things going up," Stern said. "But I think it's important for UB students to monopolize their voice and let Paterson know it's their tuition dollars and not for the state of New York for whatever he needs it for."
???In October, the assembly endorsed the idea of a Rational Tuition Plan (RTP) to introduce moderate tuition increases each year rather than spikes every few years.
???According to SUNY SA President Melody Mercedes, this plan showed state leaders that the student-body was willing to sacrifice to deal with the current economic troubles. She stated that because of the plan, state officials decided to raise tuition 14 percent rather than the originally discussed 25 percent.
???"[The RTP] was effective," Mercedes said. "If students weren't on board for a reasonable plan, they wouldn't have listened at all. The rational tuition plan we consider a victory."
???Along with the petition, SUNY Potsdam students are planning a rally against the tuition hikes next Tuesday in Albany, which is also being supported by the assembly, according to Mercedes. The rally is expected to be similar other rallies held at other SUNY locations such as at Farmingdale, Fredonia and Old Westbury.
???Mercedes would like to see more student support for both endeavors.
???"Although it is over our spring break, I would like to try and be able to transport some students out to the rally with some help from [UB's Student Association]," Mercedes said. "We also need more UB students to sign the petition."
???However, time is turning into a crucial factor for the assembly. According to Mercedes, the New York state budget decision has been moved up from April 3 to March 18.
???The assembly is encouraging students to lobby and take measures to show their disapproval before Paterson'
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
