SUBJECT:

PURPOSE:

On May 20, 2007, Executive Order No. 14 established the New York State Commission on Higher Education to make recommendations regarding improving New York's colleges and universities. The preliminary report was transmitted to the Governor and released to the public on December 17, 2007. After further consideration and public hearings, the final report of the Commission will be transmitted to the Governor on or before June 1, 2008.

Link to the Commission on Higher Education's Preliminary Report: http://www.hecommission.state.ny.us/report/CHE_Preliminary_Report.pdf

Supporting significant State investment in New York's higher education system has long been a priority for the Assembly Higher Education Committee. Over the years the cost of higher education has become less rather than more affordable for families. After a sustained period of little or no investment, significant resources are needed to increase full-time faculty and improve infrastructure to move the SUNY and CUNY systems forward. It is essential that the public university systems remain a competitive and affordable option to ensure that all students have access to a quality college education.

New York State must renew its commitment to public higher education. As New York's investment in public higher education benefits the State through a better educated workforce and research creating new industries and jobs, it is increasingly important that a college degree remains within the reach of New York's students in order for the State and its students to remain competitive. The Committee is seeking testimony on the Commission's initial recommendations as well as proposals for furthering the goal of continuously improving public higher education.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at one of the above hearings should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Legislature, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Legislative facilities and activities.

PUBLIC HEARING REPLY FORM

Persons wishing to present testimony at one of the public hearings examining the New York State Higher Education Commission's preliminary report under the jurisdiction of the Assembly Higher Education Committee are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and e-mail, mail or fax it to:

Lindsey Goodspeed
Committee Assistant
Assembly Committee on Higher Education
Room 542 - Capitol
Albany, New York 12248
E-mail: goodspl@assembly.state.ny.us
Phone: (518) 455-4881
Fax: (518) 455-4682

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