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11/17/2015

Suffolk Legislature Establishes Community College Budget Committee To Stabilize Costs

First of its kind legislation in New York State establishing a Community College Budget Committee by the Suffolk County Legislature today was applauded by Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun L. McKay and the College’s Board of Trustees Chair Theresa Sanders. The legislation was sponsored by Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory.

“Today’s groundbreaking county legislation establishing a five year plan to stabilize the county’s contribution to our College budget will help Suffolk students continue to acquire a high-quality affordable education at Suffolk County Community College,” said College President Dr. Shaun L. McKay. We know that a college education is more important than ever, but we also know it’s never been more critical to the expectations of multiple audiences. Suffolk County Community College is accessible and affordable. Today’s progressive legislation will help ensure that we remain responsive to all constituents while advancing teaching and learning for all.”

“The budget is an important annual planning document for the College.  Today’s legislation will help the county and the college ensure a solid financial position for our college and tuition stabilization for our students,” said Suffolk County Community College Board of Trustees Chair Theresa Sanders.

The nine member Community College Budget Committee was established by the legislature to develop a five-year budget plan for funding the college. The committee will be composed of the County Executive and an appointee of the Executive, the Director of the County Executive’s Budget Office, the Presiding Officer. The Chair of the Legislature’s Education and Information Technology Committee, the College President, Chair of the College’s Board of Trustees, a member of the College’s Student Government Association and the Director of the Legislature’s Budget Review Office.

Within six months, the committee is expected to present a nonbinding plan to each member of the Legislature as well as the County Executive.

New York’s community colleges were established based on a funding model of one-third each by State aid, local (county) support and tuition revenues, but the County and State have not contributed the one-third share each for many years causing student revenues to exceed their one-third share.