In her second year leading the state Assembly's Higher Education Committee, Assembly member Pat Fahy faces a myriad of challenges and priorities to address within New York's higher education landscape. Among her primary concerns is securing adequate funding to support the state's colleges, particularly the State University of New York (SUNY).

Navigating Higher Education Challenges With Assembly’s Higher Education Committee Head Pat Fahy
UNSPLASH / Amy Hirschi

Fahy is optimistic about SUNY receiving an additional $54 million in operating aid for the upcoming fiscal year, as promised in the past. However, she acknowledges the complexity of SUNY's requests, including a staggering $84 million to cover negotiated salary increases with the faculty union, a $500 million increase in funds for capital needs, and a $100 million clean energy fund.

One of Fahy's key legislative goals is expanding the state's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), aiming to make higher education more accessible for a broader spectrum of students. Additionally, she advocates for making the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) a requirement for high school graduation to facilitate students in accessing federal aid for college.

Despite her efforts, Fahy recognizes the financial challenges facing higher education institutions, including the possibility of tuition increases if additional funding is not secured. In a candid interview with POLITICO ahead of Gov. Kathy Hochul's State of the State address, Fahy sheds light on her priorities and the broader issues facing New York's higher education system.

Enrollment Challenges and TAP Expansion: A Dual Focus

Fahy begins by addressing the significant enrollment challenges faced by SUNY and the City University of New York (CUNY). The financial strain and cutbacks at institutions like Potsdam and Fredonia, along with the closure of St. Rose in her district, highlight the urgency of addressing these challenges. For Fahy, affordability remains a pressing issue, with surveys consistently showing that college is perceived as increasingly unaffordable for many parents.

Her top budget priority is expanding the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to ensure that it is not exclusively focused on lower-income students. Fahy emphasizes the need to include middle-class families, aiming to make college more financially feasible for a broader demographic. She also advocates for expanding TAP to graduate students and those pursuing microcredentials.

Operating Aid and Capital Investments: Navigating Financial Realities

Fahy stresses the importance of maintaining operating aid, acknowledging the challenges of justifying increases without concurrent enrollment growth. She highlights that the governor's proposal to raise tuition last year, though initially met with criticism, brought attention to the dire need for sustained financial support for academic institutions. Fahy argues that New York needs to keep its colleges and universities competitive with out-of-state institutions, preventing the migration of students seeking more affordable options elsewhere.

The necessity of capital investments is another key aspect Fahy addresses. With many campuses built in the mid-20th century, SUNY institutions require significant energy investments to meet modern sustainability goals. While acknowledging the considerable upfront costs, Fahy emphasizes the long-term savings and the importance of ensuring these campuses can transition from fossil fuels.

Addressing Hate Speech and Ensuring Campus Safety

The interview delves into the issue of hate speech on campuses, a topic that has gained attention at the federal level. Fahy highlights SUNY's proactive approach, conducting numerous trainings for staff, faculty, and presidents to ensure a clear understanding of rights, acceptable behavior, and the need for thorough investigations. While there isn't pending legislation on this matter, Fahy underscores the importance of campus leadership taking proactive measures to maintain a safe environment for all students.

Assisting Struggling Private and Independent Colleges: A Complex Landscape

The financial struggles of private and independent colleges, exemplified by the closure of St. Rose, pose a unique challenge. Fahy acknowledges that seeking bailouts for such institutions is unprecedented in the state. While she sought bridge funding for St. Rose, she emphasizes that it was not a sustainable solution. Fahy expresses concern about potential closures of other institutions and underscores the importance of growing enrollment and expanding TAP to address financial challenges holistically.

As Fahy navigates the complexities of New York's higher education landscape, her focus on TAP expansion, maintaining operating aid, addressing capital needs, and ensuring campus safety reflects a comprehensive approach to the multifaceted challenges facing the state's colleges and universities. The evolving financial landscape, coupled with the imperative to provide affordable and accessible education, underscores the critical role of legislative initiatives in shaping the future of higher education in New York.