Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/Riga/Rush/Wheatland) announced the Assembly passed an on-time 2012-13 state budget that includes increased funding for higher education (A.9057-D). The funds are a welcome addition for SUNY schools across the state, like Monroe County Community College (MCC), struggling to keep tuition costs down, added Assemblymember Bronson.

“This budget signifies a commitment by the state to higher education for every person,” Assemblymember Bronson said. “Community Colleges have not seen an increase in 5 years, I fought to ensure they wouldn’t have to wait any longer.”

The final budget increases support to $2,272 per-FTE student for a total of $22.1 million for SUNY community colleges. The base aid increase is $150 per-FTE student, the first community college base aid increase since SFY 2007-08. In particular, Monroe Community College will receive an increase of $2.4 million for the 2012-2013 academic year.

“Every Monroe County resident deserves the chance to receive a college degree,” Assemblymember Bronson said. “The increases to community college base aid will make attending college more affordable, keeping the dream of a college education alive for the working families in our community.”

MCC is funded by both the state and county governments. Both entities haven’t met their statutorily required support in several years, leading to tuition increases – an added burden on students and families. This additional state funding will alleviate some of this burden. The new state funding will allow MCC to expand class offerings, keep tuition affordable and hire new faculty, according to Assemblymember Bronson.

“Community colleges are vital to our economy,” Assemblymember Bronson said. “They educate students, retrain workers and partner with local businesses to spark new opportunities. This new funding will allow MCC to provide our students with the skills they need in the job market without burdening our hardworking families with increased tuition.”