[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6304128,"mediaKeyId","2468919-5045612e4945e746eadc60a8731226c9","parentId",2468919,"title","HESC tells lawmakers TAP, FAFSA outreach expanded; agency warns federal changes could increase demand","audioSeconds",320,"startMs",8151000,"endMs",8471000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2468919-5045612e4945e746eadc60a8731226c9&start=8151&end=8471","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2468919-5045612e4945e746eadc60a8731226c9/thumbnail_8151000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6304128/New-York/HESC-tells-lawmakers-TAP-FAFSA-outreach-expanded-agency-warns-federal-changes-could-increase-demand","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304128-f6b692a61488eb66a555f987abf9778e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770850176&Signature=bBWTuGyeuc0Xm~DGEuJ7uHQEr1Jzsm7r4xelx9AvqqEgyYx-hmkoJCQQXAPK4OUAMH8bitBi4vANQulqCO0jsJbF2UBHfWrAqGUr-MghOuUeW6NICpZpnuYOeQTyKKZqMYp~WYJrBvZPK~adjknysqSkbmiu0oEx4x80zxW0xLM5zloOLTRWJe42ANK-fC3uUMQftjwF-4YiWNW5C0M4Lbsu5aQzgbqscJqRtSn9c66FS558178YVk4~moydPBGpHxpl3X19yxE72KGRKtrllTw3F5Ky9T2AlrhPF0r92xCvwgnZxpzzIycXRF1hrg9wcHvy7yOCXdqtOqVtPEC1BQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","NYSenate","date","2025-02-25T00:00:00Z","article","Dr. Guillermo Linares, president of the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), told the joint committees the executive budget continues major aid support and highlighted recent expansions that broaden TAP eligibility and simplify access for part‑time students. He said the executive proposal includes $1.03 billion for HESC financial‑aid programs and more than $850 million for TAP, and pointed to last year’s TAP eligibility expansions that brought about 48,000 newly eligible students into the program.

Linares described HESC outreach activity around FAFSA completion — including the state’s FASA Ready initiative and thousands of FAFSA‑related events and text reminders — and credited that outreach with New York’s jump in national FAFSA completion rankings. He urged continued investment in aid access and said HESC plans an incremental modernization of the state aid IT platform rather than issuing a single large contract.

HESC officials told lawmakers that federal uncertainty — including potential federal changes to grant and research programs — could affect state planning. They said state outreach and a modernized application backbone are key to capturing available federal and state aid for students.

Why it matters: Changes in FAFSA, TAP and state aid administration affect students’ ability to find and secure grant aid; HESC’s modernization plans and outreach affect how quickly New York can convert application activity into actual awards.

Ending note: HESC asked legislators to maintain aid investments and support modernization work to reduce application friction and to preserve gains in FAFSA completion.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Joint Legislative Hearing on 2025 Exec. Budget Proposal: Higher Education - 02/25/2025","oneSentenceSummary","HESC told lawmakers the executive budget includes $1.03 billion for state financial‑aid programs and cited recent TAP expansions, increased FAFSA outreach and a modernization plan for the state aid system, while warning that federal changes could increase uncertainty and demand.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature NY, New York","taxId",77685,"location","New York","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6304132,"‘Opportunity Promise’ free community college proposal draws praise — colleges warn added operating aid is needed",2022,668000,2690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2468919-5045612e4945e746eadc60a8731226c9&start=668&end=2690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2468919-5045612e4945e746eadc60a8731226c9/thumbnail_668000.jpg","/articles/6304132/New-York/Opportunity-Promise-free-community-college-proposal-draws-praise-colleges-warn-added-operating-aid-is-needed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304132-59dc20f8c7329046a366dbe8b20ca204/orig.mp4?Expires=1770850176&Signature=BOelXpOdUzF-tJPM9sKUfMP0~EAtXQbqtVhN90aAZJ7Zn5kq~Mi7j8JJ1QwoTb2YrNEAY28amtxc3b-E2TW-0y5cgV1~tn4jfWdq54A25jvDeOeAUO5LJwIk1hPyd-cJEW8O7Lo7V7~Ld8Mo3My6z45qLelhCC0ABaa8UB~0nAwwIqNHvMwBsiTTFKPg8HCjxbdpjAJgWPt~wZ-Jt3KxbgMWbNjdfT0vJSG-5KFCI61ut6nw27bbj9k4fVzZo2RqFtvEM16vTPMmFCI~NNRtvCbPEtyN7A0qjoicH81CuRA4Zixe7TvrjGJ5vTvfU2aOAYv0snnJ2BS81CunqfXQIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The governor’s executive budget proposes a free community‑college initiative, the Opportunity Promise, to cover tuition, fees and books for adults ages 25–55 who enroll in first‑time associate degree programs in high‑demand fields. SUNY Chancellor John King described the plan as building on other investments and said the proposal is expected to increase enrollment and help fill workforce needs.

College leaders and trustees welcomed the concept but warned the executive budget does not include sufficient recurring operating support to scale high‑cost programs. George Cushman, chair of New York Community College Trustees, told the committees that community colleges will need additional operating aid to expand nursing, advanced manufacturing and other high‑cost programs, and proposed a $100 million increase to support faculty, program expansion and student supports. Several community‑college trustees and presidents said many workforce programs require smaller class sizes, more equipment and higher faculty ratios than liberal‑arts classes, so additional operating funds are needed for seats to be added without cutting other services.

Faculty and local union representatives also asked that the program be expanded beyond a strict age band; student advocates and some legislators asked that the proposal not exclude associate‑degree programs offered at certain senior or technical colleges that operate like community colleges. Students and advocates urged an early‑college and wraparound services approach, calling for investments in counseling, transportation and childcare to ensure newly enrolled adult learners complete degrees.

Why it matters: State officials and college leaders say the proposal could expand the workforce pipeline in health care, IT and manufacturing, but without added operating support colleges say they would be forced either to limit seats or scale back other services.

Ending note: Trustees and campus leaders asked the Legislature to add recurring operating aid for community colleges when negotiating the final budget, and to consider including technical college associate programs in the eligibility criteria.","Governor Hochul’s Opportunity Promise would provide free associate degrees for adults 25–55 in high‑demand fields. College leaders and trustees praised the concept but said the executive budget lacks the additional recurring operating funds required to expand programs such as nursing, advanced manufacturing and health‑care workforce training.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6304137,"SUNY, CUNY chancellors urge more operating aid as hospitals, contracts and research pressures mount",1503,270000,1773000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2468919-5045612e4945e746eadc60a8731226c9&start=270&end=1773","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2468919-5045612e4945e746eadc60a8731226c9/thumbnail_270000.jpg","/articles/6304137/New-York/SUNY-CUNY-chancellors-urge-more-operating-aid-as-hospitals-contracts-and-research-pressures-mount","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304137-4b123fcb6a0f19139706ca3de861f86a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770850176&Signature=Ox710dyhMuIYS-itnoULl0DkuLZPMV1jJE6EZR8eXErwiKT2gQB2hAGJbI~I0Qy1k6jbJEi7sHsyQGEUtu3pBlqShtrOkLcL3oPsRRDxgc7wAk2f07P7PY2VDSYIKpiY3dCojXnBGWqg8f4BLQhxe6ZFyJsuVT586lTTqZHQZTmBFW2eebuZtFJoAtUYzkq8y6hvwQShm5kDiIOZ8lIF2Vi6vyKeRX9Hp6wN9a5bepoizpA4FxPW8fv5n8--luMjFOY0rRC-O8cfQwg4jT8EJkANquswIeYDY6~axM7PxiIPSXhDpdfFBgsZTRbJQNvPWObWqexHtiwTR3fyCwC25g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chancellors for New York’s public systems told the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee that recent state investments have produced enrollment gains but that recurring operating and capital aid remain insufficient to cover contract costs, campus repairs and the needs of the public teaching hospitals.

Chancellor John King said SUNY enrollment rose by 3.4% systemwide and noted that the executive budget’s proposed $114 million increase for state‑operated campuses “supports the well deserved state approved collective bargaining agreement with our faculty and staff and is absolutely essential for maintaining SUNY’s momentum.” He told members SUNY needs more than one‑time money to stabilize hospitals, maintain facilities and expand research capacity.

Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez said CUNY welcomed the executive budget’s $96 million increase in operating support for senior colleges but said it falls about $34 million short of covering a recently ratified Professional Staff Congress collective bargaining agreement. “The funding provided for our senior colleges to support CUNY labor costs, coupled with operating support for our community colleges, will mean that CUNY will not need to absorb a big chunk of mandatory costs,” he said, adding that CUNY has reduced its structural deficit but needs more recurring aid to continue that work.

Both chancellors urged the Legislature to hold operating increases steady and to consider additional recurring funding for faculty raises, mental‑health counselors, advisors and deferred maintenance. King described a nearly $9 billion critical‑maintenance backlog at SUNY and welcomed the executive proposal of $550 million this year for critical maintenance and a $200 million innovation fund, but said the system needs a multiyear capital plan and more recurring operating aid.

Hospital support drew repeated attention. King described Downstate Medical Center’s “intense struggles” and said the governor’s previous and proposed commitments — deficit coverage and capital funds — were vital. He told legislators the community advisory board created last year is to issue recommendations by April 1 on a path forward; several lawmakers said that timing is tight and urged an extension if necessary. King also said the governor proposes $200 million toward an Upstate project that SUNY and Upstate advance to address emergency‑room and operating room capacity and other needs; advocates urged additional funding for that project.

Both chancellors and several legislators also flagged potential federal risks. King said SUNY receives about $700 million annually in federal research funding and that proposed federal cuts would be disruptive; both chancellors said litigation and advocacy are under way to protect federal research and grant programs.

Why it matters: SUNY and CUNY educate hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, supply regional workforces and operate clinical facilities. The chancellors asked the Legislature to convert recent one‑time allocations into recurring operating aid, fund shortfalls tied to collective bargaining, and back capital investments for hospitals and campus repair to avoid service disruptions.

Ending note: Lawmakers pressed the chancellors for campus‑level details during questions and several members asked for line‑item allocations or direct legislative allocations for distressed campuses and hospitals instead of wholly trusting system allocations.","Chancellors John King (SUNY) and Félix Matos Rodríguez (CUNY) told the joint fiscal committees that recent state investments helped enrollment recover but more recurring operating aid is needed to cover faculty contracts, mental-health staffing, campus repairs and hospital support — especially at Downstate and Upstate medical centers.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6304119,"Liberty Partnership, STEP and CSTEP leaders warn proposed cuts would shrink STEM/health pipeline",2229,11771000,14000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2468919-5045612e4945e746eadc60a8731226c9&start=11771&end=14000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2468919-5045612e4945e746eadc60a8731226c9/thumbnail_11771000.jpg","/articles/6304119/New-York/Liberty-Partnership-STEP-and-CSTEP-leaders-warn-proposed-cuts-would-shrink-STEMhealth-pipeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304119-9fcc2142f11eb1267d65ebc171644dab/orig.mp4?Expires=1770850176&Signature=TqBFylrRHemb4q49uOQdAzBHErSeItRM9M2Mf4dejMQ7V3BB5Vla7wNdhFAHP1BIqjh1DvnBqhL4oxiemCUZX11ZMaP~HDYwbFLzc-Ggr~XjvLGgcBYmsLSK045UjjD58zy3aYSAHx~bTZm-UmlYGKxGdhBnbcT0xaen1wdq61aUhsCO0j1JCfte~oia2e4Kdx4IZWfxP2temdBvFU1mEUWeIw06H2KpA~xJbEFk2VkfvcsD1VWeLakxIKbs34QGuX~wg1T9nNQWIfZs4PEe-UejBA5lXyg-pMNk9TwfD78YAM2zbEXxFePw7sV51ZqbFOaTqq2Eji-afB6Mdrv1Bw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of New York State’s pipeline programs — Liberty Partnership (LPP), STEP and CSTEP — told lawmakers that proposed reductions in the executive budget would have outsized consequences because grants operate on multiyear cycles and fund local projects that recruit, prepare and retain underrepresented students in STEM, health and licensed professions.

Liz Altman, president of Friends of the New York State Liberty Partnerships, said LPP serves high‑need youth embedded in local districts and community organizations and reported an 86% graduation rate among participants last year. She urged the Legislature to restore the executive cut and support a 20% increase so LPP can expand staffing, evidence‑based student supports, college‑bound summer programs and employer partnerships.

Ronaldo Alba, representing STEP/CSTEP program administrators, said the FY 2026 year starts a new five‑year awarding cycle and cuts this year will force eliminations of projects and destabilize long‑term pipelines into medicine, engineering and other fields. “Any loss of projects will severely destabilize these vital programs at their respective institutions,” Alba told the committees. He requested restoration of the proposed 4.37% reduction and urged a 20% increase to meet demand and expand student reach.

Why it matters: STEP, CSTEP and LPP are long‑standing, targeted programs that bring underrepresented students into STEM and health fields; reductions would shrink the statewide pipeline used by hospitals, research institutions and employers.

Ending note: Program leaders asked the Legislature to restore cuts and increase funding in the final budget to preserve the statewide network of projects and maintain the student pipeline to high‑demand careers.","Administrators and program directors told the joint committees that proposed reductions to Liberty Partnership, STEP and CSTEP funding would force elimination of projects in the new five‑year funding cycle, threatening the long‑term STEM and health workforce pipeline and outreach to underrepresented students.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6304124,"Students and advocates press for more mental‑health, food, housing and transit supports during budget talks",104,11416000,11520000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2468919-5045612e4945e746eadc60a8731226c9&start=11416&end=11520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2468919-5045612e4945e746eadc60a8731226c9/thumbnail_11416000.jpg","/articles/6304124/New-York/Students-and-advocates-press-for-more-mentalhealth-food-housing-and-transit-supports-during-budget-talks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304124-955b34e6037c9c1042d9e3470e9f4190/orig.mp4?Expires=1770850176&Signature=LnsLn9eCEvbwiS9mrzB1ilZjUMT4olz12rOGNbfCNzgYtjCiEYh6b3w0XBal4ba5t6RC3a~ZbFvEumxqkIQZuLJqGkpEPRNABe8ibjHkszbe6ctz0dRrSUGTaImFRsm89Vq2S1PGwPvpn~tVKcxWqWivwuFf2mCXRxb0GbiTY6kKoWvHSdmkLvmhWkuaaKM9yR1LJU7FwiuZ-F-PpaaYXrkQxrxzTec7VobOtrZpcGnBvSDtSU2MwA~8GL9Zwhkz~7XqJE~dWFD1852DUq72LRIXaFubPyoUtRwmjwnZwn8WnBx8UOfHNvjKZCWOmjdyb3otWhQ~XXnjw3d~H9S5Yg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Students, campus advocates and support organizations told the joint fiscal committees that the state budget must address non‑tuition barriers that impede degree completion. Student leaders from SUNY and CUNY described food insecurity, unreliable internet and transportation costs as principal obstacles for many students juggling work, family and coursework.

University Student Senate Chair Daniel Redden, and CUNY student leaders urged state support for a commuter metro‑card program and pointed to a student pilot request included in the institutions’ budget submissions. “Transportation is a major barrier to student success,” Redden said, urging a state‑funded partnership between CUNY and the MTA to reduce fare‑related absences and support retention.

Food insecurity and housing instability also drew attention. Student speakers and representatives from Catholic Charities’ anti‑hunger coalition urged expanded funding for campus food pantries and Nourish New York‑style procurement programs to keep campus pantries stocked and support student families. OnPoint for College and OnPoint students described wraparound navigation services that help students stay enrolled and graduate.

Mental‑health staffing was a recurring request. Students and system leaders called for more on‑campus counselors and telehealth options; SUNY and CUNY leaders said additional recurring funding is needed to expand counseling services to meet growing demand.

Why it matters: Non‑tuition costs are often the decisive factor in whether an enrolled student completes a degree. Advocates said small investments in transit, food, housing supports and counseling can sharply improve persistence and graduation rates.

Ending note: Student leaders asked the Legislature to fund pilot metro‑card programs, increase campus food‑pantry and student‑basic‑needs investments and boost mental‑health staffing in the FY 2026 budget.","Student leaders, service providers and advocates told the committees that non‑tuition costs — housing, childcare, food and transportation — are increasingly barriers to degree completion. Student groups pushed for pilot metro‑card programs, expanded food‑pantry funding and more on‑campus counseling.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

HESC tells lawmakers TAP, FAFSA outreach expanded; agency warns federal changes could increase demand

‘Opportunity Promise’ free community college proposal draws praise — colleges warn added operating aid is needed

SUNY, CUNY chancellors urge more operating aid as hospitals, contracts and research pressures mount

Liberty Partnership, STEP and CSTEP leaders warn proposed cuts would shrink STEM/health pipeline

Students and advocates press for more mental‑health, food, housing and transit supports during budget talks