Pataki Slashes Financial Aid

by Dave Fuller

With cuts in TAP, students struggle to pay for their education

A budget which significantly slashes many of the state's financial aid programs has been passed by the state legislature. The cuts are part of Governor George Pataki's declared intent to balance a state deficit.

The debate over state cuts began last year over which state programs were to be reduced the most. One of the primary controversial elements of the then-proposed budget was the huge cut to higher education funding. A year later, the legislature pulled the trigger on the cuts though lobbying groups continue to push for revisions.

The Tuition Assistance Program, or TAP, was reduced by $237 million, making it the largest of the state's $347 million budget cuts. Under the governor's budget, a TAP recipient will have to pay this one-third cut out of his own pocket. Approximately 300,000 New York students receive financial assistance from TAP.

In addition, other financial aid programs have also been reduced by five percent, including programs such as the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), the Direct Institutional Aid or the "Bundy" Aid program for private school students, and the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP). Such cuts have many students, administrators, and state legislators worried about how students can fund their education.

On February 10, 2004, a joint group of Adelphi University and Hofstra University students and administrators lobbied at the state capitol building in Albany for the restoration of TAP and other financial aid programs. This day of lobbying and advocacy was sponsored by Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU).

"Adelphi University has 1,800 students who receive TAP," Lori DugganGold, Director of Public Affairs at Adelphi, said while meeting with state legislators. "TAP doesn't only help students pay tuition but it also allows the university to invest in other programs such as upgrading the library, hiring more faculty, and providing better services," she added.

Assemblyman Ron Canestrari of Albany-Saratoga spoke at a CICU rally and stated the need to restore TAP. "We know the governor's deferment plan is a joke... He is simply gutting TAP and the students of New York State cannot afford to take this cut," Assemblyman Canestrari said in front of an audience of New York college students and lobbyists.

Assemblyman Tom Alfonso of Nassau County met with the Adelphi delegation. He has been a long supporter of TAP. "I am a Republican and we were able to override the governor's veto to save TAP," Alfonso explained. "I am a big advocate of education and my first concerns are with my district and its youth," he added.

Senator John J. Flannagan of Suffolk, who sits on the Senate Higher Education Committee, also met with Adelphi students. "The fact that your representatives were able to secure capitol funds from the governor is extraordinary and amazing. I believe everyone in Albany has an affinity for higher education," he stated.

Assemblyman Steven H. Cymbrowitz of Kings County was more critical of the governor's budget. Cymbrowitz, an Adelphi alumnus, said, "We are not going to allow Governor Pataki to cut TAP. If the governor had his way he'd wipe out students and senior citizens."

“We want to help the students now but we need more students involved with the political process,” Cymbrowitz added. He advised students to be active voters and contact their representatives.

Senator Michael Balboni of Nassau County, an Adelphi alumnus who teaches political science at the university, Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell, and Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli also pledged support to restore TAP. "It has always been a priority fight for us and we will continue to fight for TAP," assured Assemblyman DiNapoli.

Senator Owen Johnson of Suffolk created TAP twenty years ago and is one of the leading senators in the political battle to restore it completely. "Senator Johnson feels college students need the money while they are in college. He is very proud of twenty years of TAP," said Lauren Mady, Senator Johnson's chief of staff.

In spite of support for TAP in both the Assembly and the senate, along with the lobbying efforts of college students, parents, faculty, and administrators, the lengthy political debate between the legislature and Governor Pataki ensues.