Governor Proposes State Budget

Governor George E. Pataki (left), Chancellor Matthew Goldstein (center), and Local 1100 President Dennis Rivera at the Workforce Develpment Center in the Bronx.

Governor George E. Pataki proposed on January 22 the 2002-2003 State Executive Budget which represents a flat level of appropriation for CUNY when compared to 2001-2002 funding. No tuition increase is recommended, and support is included for the financing of the collective bargaining agreement with District Council 37.

"We are pleased that Governor Pataki proposed that CUNY receive up to $2.5 million for training programs related to business development efforts, through the State Department of Labor budget," Chancellor Matthew Goldstein said. "We are advised that there are also significant opportunities for academic institutions to compete for federal funding directed to the State through federal aviation legislation and homeland security programs. These and other economic development projects are being carefully evaluated to determine possible CUNY involvement."

Goldstein also said he looked forward to "working with the Governor and the State Legislature on the proposed re-structuring of the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). "TAP is very important to our students, and we want to make sure as much assistance is available to them as is humanly possible," he stated.

Goldstein also expressed appreciation for "the help of Governor Pataki in supporting CUNY initiatives to integrate operating and capital funding to ameliorate the impact of the current State budget. We welcome the support for administrative efficiencies proposed by CUNY to offset the cost of ongoing and new initiatives."

In closing, the Chancellor said "the University will continue to work closely with the Office of the Governor and the State Legislature to further strengthen the University's role in contributing to the educational, economic, and social vitality of the City and State."

This central and long-standing mission of the City University is often reflected in the pages of its 2002-2003 Budget Request, which carries the title "An Integrated University—Helping to Rebuild New York City." Notable among the initiatives contained in the Request are several that are designed to rebuild the New York economy. These match CUNY's expertise in the local labor market with a long and successful track record of developing job-oriented course work and specific skills training.

Four workforce development programs are highlighted in the Request. The Labor Market Intelligence Survey (LMIN) will consist of 15 employer task forces whose members will be committed to providing up-to-date information on their industry's current and anticipated education and training needs. LMIN reports periodically make information available through the internet to CUNY colleges and to job-seekers at the city's "One-Stop" service centers and other 9/11-related job fairs.

LMIN will embrace the following sectors: publishing, telecommunications, manufacturing, broadcast TV, sound design, food services, public relations, management consulting, financial services, advertising, legal services, accounting services, health services, real estate, and not-for-profit organizations.

A request for funds to offer reduced tuition for 3,000 is proposed for Credit and Non-Credit Certificate Training Programs. One of the most effect ways to deliver education to the rebuilding workforce is short-term programs offered primarily at the community colleges. These enable dislocated workers to acquire or upgrade specific skill sets or prepare for new careers.

Funds are also requested for intensive Foreign Language Instruction for 100 students at $4,500 per student. The University's Research Institute for the Study of Languages in the Urban Setting is preparing a database of foreign language experts at CUNY. Immersion courses would be offered in languages relevant to employment in security and public safety in the post-9/11 environment.

Funds for Career Counseling Services on a permanent basis are requested. Hitherto, the University has provided career counseling to participants in the Jobs Clearinghouse, which is sponsored by the NYC Partnership and the Central Labor Council, on a volunteer basis. These funds will provide similar service on a regular basis.

The CUNY Web site offers analysis of the State Budget by the University Budget Office and an analysis of the proposed TAP changes–including their impact on CUNY students–by the University Office of Financial Aid at www.cuny.edu/finance.