NYC Gazette

April 23, 2024 - The Chancellor of the City University of New York (CUNY), Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, has expressed gratitude towards Governor Hochul and state legislative leaders for their collaborative efforts in enacting the FY 2025 New York State Budget, which includes significant investments in public higher education.

Matos Rodríguez highlighted the importance of the budget in sustaining and expanding CUNY's ability to provide high-quality and affordable education to New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds. He stated, "We thank Governor Hochul and our state legislative leaders for working together to enact a budget that builds on their commitment to public higher education and includes critical strategic investments in CUNY that will sustain and expand our ability to provide high-quality, affordable education and pathways to successful careers to New Yorkers of all backgrounds."

The Chancellor detailed some key allocations in the budget, including additional operating support for CUNY senior colleges, funding for labor contracts, expansion of operating aid for community colleges, and a substantial investment in new capital funding for campus maintenance and improvements.

Furthermore, Matos Rodríguez emphasized the budget's support for various schools and programs aligned with CUNY's equity-driven mission, such as the CUNY School of Medicine, micro credentialing programs for teachers, and the CUNY Black Male Initiative. He also commended the enhancements to the Tuition Assistance Program, which will benefit more CUNY students.

In closing, the Chancellor extended his gratitude to Governor Hochul, legislative leaders, and members of the New York City delegation for recognizing CUNY's role as an essential engine of upward mobility and for making visionary investments in the institution.