Today, Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced that additional funding will be included in the Assembly budget proposal for SUNY Community Colleges, including Suffolk. The plan includes an additional $150 per full-time equivalent (FTE) student to raise the total community college base aid to $2,422 per FTE. The proposal also includes the restoration of more than $1.5 million for SUNY and child care centers which provide vital assistance to parents who attend college.

"Thiele stated, "I believe that raising community college aid is vital to our future educational and economic success. As the economy continues to recover, it will be our community colleges that are at the forefront of training New Yorkers for new job opportunities. In addition, by raising community college aid, we are reducing a financial burden for both our students and municipalities."

Funding for community colleges is based on the number of enrolled students.