This was received from Bill L. of Wellsville:
The new State budget process is starting up again and I have some concerns to share.
A proposed free tuition for all students attending a SUNY school is my primary concern. I really think this is a good proposal. But - how do we pay for it? What are the guidelines? Where is the accountability?
Should this be limited to only SUNY schools? This influx of students would place a strain on facilities and staff. Would the taxpayers be required to put up new housing, classroom and lab facilities? Would we be obliged to hire more faculty and administrators? How will the added cost of maintenance and custodial be paid for? Is this discrimination against Non-Suny students? Who pays for the lawsuits?Would this cause the closing of private colleges and universities due to lack of students? Will this mean more state employees with non-taxable pensions.
Will policies be stipulated and adhered to for classroom and lab attendance? Will GPAs have to be maintained at an acceptable level? How many people will have to be hired, statewide, to insure accountability - not only of the student but also the school? More non-taxable pensions.
Would it not be a good idea for students to pay tuition, by semester, and be reimbursed after successful completion? Sweat equity and a vested interest would make this more palatable. A helping hand is better than a handout.
Where will these grads get jobs? Will the State create jobs? Will they be able to compete in a market flooded with undocumented illegal residents?
Would it not be a good idea to place an assessment on all New York State tax free pensions. This would spread that cost burden evenly across the board. I see too many workers in private industry struggling to make ends meet. State pensions are guaranteed by the taxpayers and retirees should contribute for the good of the State.
I think this needs a whole lot more forethought and public input. Seems to me, only the State employees and their unions would be the ones to benefit.
