Senate Higher Education Committee Chairwoman Senator Toby Ann Stavisky addresses students at NYPIRG’s Higher Ed Lobby Day in Albany

Senator Toby Ann Stavisky addressed hundreds of SUNY and CUNY students Thursday morning at the Capitol Complex in Albany. These students, along with the help of NYPIRG, are advocating for public higher education, as they face a growing list of challenges that impact their ability to obtain the quality education New York State has promised them.

Speaking with students across the state, Senator Stavisky has heard countless stories of food insecurity on campus, failing infrastructure and inadequate access to mental health services. Students are shouldering an increasing amount of tuition burden, while many schools are forced to cut back on classes, programs and full time faculty. These issues are jeopardizing the future of both the students, and the state.

As budget negotiations continue in Albany, Senator Stavisky is fighting for a statewide tuition freeze. For years, the state has allowed tuition costs to rise, while keeping the cap on the Tuition Assistance Program the same. This has created the so-called “TAP Gap” which has translated into colleges and universities charging more, while delivering less.

Senator Stavisky is extremely proud of all of the students who came out make their voices heard. As Chair of the Higher Education Committee, the Senator is determined to continue to advocate for them. New York State students are among the best and brightest in the world, and the state needs to do its part in helping make sure they have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.