The True Cost of Underinvestment: Why New York Can't Afford to Neglect SUNY and CUNY

You know, there's a conversation we really need to be having in New York, and it's about our public universities. We're talking about SUNY and CUNY, those incredible engines of opportunity that, for generations, have been shaping minds and fueling our state's future. But here's the thing: they're not just schools; they are, in truth, economic powerhouses, and honestly, we've been underspending on them for far too long. It's a choice, a very real one, that has profound ripple effects.

Think about it for a moment: where do our future doctors, teachers, engineers, and innovators come from? Many, many of them emerge from the halls of SUNY and CUNY. These institutions aren't just granting degrees; they're cultivating the talent that keeps New York running, literally. These graduates – our kids, our neighbors – they stay here. They buy homes, start businesses, pay taxes, and contribute in countless ways to our local economies. And that's not just a nice idea; it's a measurable return on investment, a crucial one that keeps our communities vibrant and solvent.

And yet, we see a disturbing trend, don't we? A creeping disinvestment in operational aid, which is the lifeblood of these universities. It’s not enough to build new buildings, as vital as infrastructure is; we need to invest in the people, in the day-to-day excellence of teaching and research. We need to pay our dedicated faculty and staff competitive wages, wages that allow them to live and thrive here, preventing that disheartening 'brain drain' where our brightest minds – both educators and students – look elsewhere for better opportunities. Because when they leave, New York loses out, pure and simple.

You could say that underfunding public education is akin to shooting ourselves in the foot. When tuition skyrockets, or when the quality of education suffers due to lack of resources, who pays the price? Our students, of course, burdened with debt, and ultimately, our state. It stifles social mobility, making it harder for aspiring young people, especially those from working-class backgrounds, to achieve their dreams and, in turn, contribute to a robust middle class. It's a cycle, you see, and not a particularly virtuous one.

So, what’s the answer? It’s straightforward, if not always easy: a genuine commitment to fully funding SUNY and CUNY. This isn't charity; it's smart governance. It's an investment in our collective future, in a stronger New York. Governor Hochul, our state legislators – the ball is in their court. They have the power, and frankly, the responsibility, to ensure these critical institutions can continue to uplift generations and drive our state forward. For once, let's get this right. Let’s make sure New York remains a place where opportunity truly abounds for everyone.