Union: cuts would have “devastating toll”
 New York State United Teachers is trying to push back against Gov. David Paterson’s proposed cuts to the State University of New York and the City University of New York, saying they would take a “devastating toll†on the system and could prevent people from attending college. Â
  The governor wants a $1 billion mid-year budget reduction because his Division of Budget is projecting a $6.4 billion deficit. He is calling lawmakers back into session next week to work on the state’s finances. He has proposed slashing $51 million from CUNY, cutting SUNY’s general-fund budget between $95 million and $100 million, and reducing Tuition Assistance Program awards by about $30 million, according to NYSUT, which has about 600,000 members.
  “It is inconceivable that SUNY is being directed to absorb these cuts just weeks before classes are scheduled to resume,†said Phillip Smith, president of United University Professions, which represents more than 34,000 academic and professional faculty at SUNY. “This reduction in aid could result in tens of thousands of students being turned away or closed out of courses needed for graduation. Unless these cuts are restored, SUNY is going to be dismantled.â€
 Barbara Bowen, president of the Professional Staff Congress that represents 22,000 faculty and professional staff at CUNY, said the cuts could mean fewer classes, fewer library books, less financial aid and “the doors closing for people who depend on CUNY for higher education.â€
  NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi said during a time of economic downturn, the state should be increasing its investment in higher education.
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Greg Ball hates the teachers union. In fact, in a recent mailer Greg Ball proudly wrote; “Greg Ball stands up to the unions”.
Hopefully the unions will remember that Greg Ball hates them come election time.
Good for him. That’s one, at least, that he has right.
Ball has said he will stand up to Unions. Greg Ball is the recipient of the same benefits that the teachers union people get. New York State Retirement, Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Only have to work less than 80 days a year in Albany to collect a fat check plus all travel and hotel perks.
If he fights the teachers unions then Ball should also give up the similiar perks he receives for working less days ~~!!!!!!!
My suggestions:
1. Increase tuition for out-of-state students and stop out of state students from unfairly getting instate rate. The out of state tuition is vastly below market (especially at Albany, Binghamton, Stony Brook, etc type schools. SUNY- Optometry brags that it gives no preference to in-state students, and most out of state can get in-state tuition by 2nd year.)
2. Charge out of state tuition for illegal immigrants. Doesnt the legislature understand that undocumented workers will not be able to obtain jobs commiserate with their education. Get legal first.
Governor Patterson is giving corporate welfare to the tune of $145 million to a major technology company to stay in Fishkill and Poughkeepsie to keep 1,000 jobs in NY State. This is a total farce. The Governor and his staff should have demanded 5,000 jobs minimum and that the company can’t lower pay of its employees like they just announced. This company is making unbelievable profits but keeps laying off its workers. The Governor now wants to cut SUNY and CUNY but gives corporate welfare. Why should NY State deny low income families of a college education? I’m not saying middle-class families here because there aren’t any middle-class families left in NY State. We are now low income and we can’t afford to send our childeren to private colleges any longer, even if they do get a partial scholarship from a private college, its still to expensive. Everyone should protest about giving their hard earned tax dollars to corporations that are making billions in profits and treats their U.S. employees like door mats.
And why is SUNY bringing in 150 students from China? I am sorry for the aftermath from natural disasters, and am sorry for people who lost homes and loved ones but this isnt going to help them. If SUNY is so concerned about money, they shouldnt have done this. They are thumbing their noses at the taxpayers. And to add further, they are going to be running fundraisers for these students. What about New Yorkers?????