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UC Delegation Heads to Albany for Lobby Day

Students Join Colleagues Statewide to Protest Education Cuts

Written By Keith Henry '08, Communications Assistant

Contact - cleogrande@utica.edu

Utica, NY (02/04/2009) - On Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 7:30 a. m., students and staff from Utica College will board a bus and head to Albany where they will join with fellow students from across the state and meet legislators face to face to advocate for restoring funding to education programs. Education funding will decline if the proposed budget is enacted.

Governor David Paterson’s budget proposal includes:

• A 50 percent cut for the Collegiate Science Technology Entry Program (C-STEP)
• Cuts in the Bundy Aid the college uses to invest in student financial aid.
• Change in TAP eligibility requirement for students that would require they take a minimum of 15 credit hours to be considered for TAP aid
• Elimination of TAP awards for graduate studies.

One bright spot for students and prospective students in the proposed budget is Governor Paterson’s support for the New York Higher Education Loan Program (NYHELP), a new loan program offering lower interest rates than traditional sources. The new program is the first substantial state education initiative since the inception of TAP 35 years ago.

Utica College has a long and proud history of helping students find a way to afford a private college education. More than 90 percent of UC students receive some sort of financial aid. But with the economy in turmoil and the state facing large budget shortfalls, Governor Paterson has proposed sweeping cuts in education aid across a wide swath of programs. These cuts, if enacted, could collectively cost UC students over $100,000 in aid.

Utica College senior Thomas J. Armitage, who intends to make the trip to Albany, doesn’t understand the logic of cutting education funding at a time of uncertainty. “Why cut education funding now? It’s clear that funding needs will only grow with a weakening economy; more people will need retraining or upgraded skills. It doesn’t make sense to cut in the short term what we will so badly need in the long term,” he said.

Students and staff will be available to the press for interviews prior to departure and via phone. Please contact the UC Public Relations office at (315) 223-2519 to arrange interviews.

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