Senator Stavisky Ranked Third Most Powerful Leader in Higher Education in New York State

ALBANY- City & State, a New York City based magazine covering New York State government, has named Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D- 11th District) third on their “Power 100” list of higher education influencers within the state. The Senator, who has chaired the Senate Committee on Higher Education since 2019, has been one of higher education’s strongest advocates in Albany. During the current budget negotiation process, she has been fighting against tuition increases while supporting the need for capital investments, more full time faculty and additional support services for students.

“We have seen declining enrollment for over a decade,” explains Senator Stavisky. “Our students are struggling to rebound after an unprecedented pandemic that took an immense emotional and financial toll. Right now, we ought to be doing everything we can to get young men and women back into the classroom and onto a pathway toward success. We have not raised tuition once since I became Chair of the Higher Education Committee, and I remain committed to keeping it that way. We must continue to improve our SUNY and CUNY systems without passing the financial burden onto our students. I thank City & State for this recognition. We must continue to strengthen public and private higher education throughout New York.”

In their article City & State notes: “Toby Ann Stavisky is voicing support for parts of the Hochul administration’s higher education budget but pushing back on tuition hikes: She wants the budget to focus more on increases in state operating aid. Stavisky is also pressing for more equity on spending plans between SUNY and CUNY.”

The full City & State article can be found on their website.