We hear it everywhere: A college degree is the key to success. But for many New Yorkers, higher education is a dream that won’t become reality for one key reason – cost. That’s about to change, though. This year’s state budget includes a trailblazing initiative to make public colleges tuition-free for eligible New Yorkers, as well as invests in our local colleges and universities and funds programs that help young people fulfill their dream of a college education.

The Excelsior Scholarship makes SUNY schools tuition-free for eligible students whose household income is less than $125,000 when the program is fully implemented. The budget also invests in a $6,000 scholarship for those attending a private college in New York. Further, the budget provides $100 million for capital improvements at SUNY schools, as well as $450 million for critical maintenance.

Free tuition is a major victory for hardworking Central New Yorkers, but I know there’s more we can do to help students graduate with less debt. That’s why I’m also fighting to cut other college-related costs so that students can get the best out of their education, without being burdened for years after graduation. The state budget requires the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) to address college affordability issues, including transportation, textbooks and housing expenses. Further, I helped secure $400,000 in the budget for On Point for College – a vital program that helps young people in our community make it to college and supports them on their journey, as well as links them to job opportunities after they graduate.

We’re lucky enough to have several outstanding SUNY schools here in Central New York. There’s Onondaga Community College, which helps students start their college journey and earn a degree at their own pace. The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry offers outstanding and unparalleled courses in natural resource management, environmental research and sustainable and renewable technologies. And there’s SUNY Upstate Medical University – the only academic medical center in Central New York – which offers top-notch educational programs and biomedical research, while responding to the health care needs of our community.

These investments in higher education are vital to helping anyone who aspires to a college education and increasing opportunities for people to get good jobs and provide for their families. I’ll always fight to remove the financial barriers to higher education that many families face, because a quality education should not be a privilege afforded for the few, but a right for all who strive for it.

As always, if you have questions or concerns about the state budget or any other community issue, please don’t hesitate to contact me at StirpeA@nyassembly.gov or by calling 315-452-1115.