The Public Higher Education Empowerment & Innovation Act
By Nancy L. Zimpher | Mar. 17, 2010With the state's finances at a crisis point, it is time for bold ideas that will not only get us through these difficult times, but return New York to greatness.The Public Higher Education Empowerment and Innovation Act is an idea of that magnitude.This landmark legislation shields our students and our campuses from the worst effects of the fiscal crisis while maximizing our potential as a driver of economic recovery.The legislation removes tuition from the state budget and political process, allowing SUNY to expand enrollment and increase access to excellent educational opportunities.Historically, when tuition has increased to offset budget cuts and to maintain academic quality, the state has swept the increase into the treasury to close budget gaps elsewhere.
