NY Senate passes package boosting aid to CUNY students

Sen. Joseph Adabbo and fellow Queens senators introduced a package of bills to support students at public universities. Photo courtesy of Senate

By Rachel Vick

The New York State Senate on Tuesday passed a package of bills intended to increase equity in higher education and provide support to students in public colleges across the state.

The legislation, which awaits a vote in the Assembly, would improve access to financial aid, protect the privacy rights of immigrant students and support student veterans who attend SUNYs and CUNYs.

“The years our students spend in higher education will help shape the trajectory of their lives,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “New York is, and will continue to be, a national leader in offering quality college and advanced education opportunities.”

Queens State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky, chair of the education committee, introduced two of the bills. One measure would prohibit any CUNY employee from requesting a student’s immigration status except in limited circumstances, such as under court order. A second would increase allotments from the Tuition Assistance Program to reflect modern day rates.

Sens. Joseph Addabbo and James Sanders Jr. both sponsored bills to help veterans pursuing higher education.  Sanders cited his own military experience as motivation to push legislation requiring CUNYs to conduct a study on the availability of veteran resources. A version of the bill has been introduced each session since 2015.

The other piece of legislation allows veterans to qualify for academic credit through their military service. 

“Our military service members get an education in many different ways, be it on the battlefield, through their training, or with direct job experience,” Addabbo said.  “When they return from service, they should be able to have their relevant experience transferred into academic credits at state-operated institutions.”