In today’s media accounts, considerable reference is being made to 2009-2010 State Budget spending reductions announced by Governor Patterson and Budget Director Megna. An attached memo from Chancellor Zimpher provides an overview of the anticipated impact of the reductions on SUNY and the Chancellor’s plans to convene a panel of campus presidents/business officers to provide advice on how to implement this round of reductions. A conference call to campus presidents to discuss the budget is also planned.
This round of reductions applies to state-operated campuses; community colleges which are funded through Aid-to-Localities were not included. As the Chancellor notes, however, these announced reductions are quite likely only a first step toward addressing a current year budget shortfall that is estimated to be between 2 and 3 billion dollars. Additionally, the Governor’s Budget Office has already directed state agencies to submit flat-line budget requests for next year.
The bottom line is BCC, like all of our peers, will need to monitor our current budget closely and as we move forward with the next budget cycle for SUNY, be sure that the story of New York State’s community colleges and their central role in rebuilding our State’s economy is told far and wide. Making the case for investment in education has probably never made more sense. In the State’s current fiscal climate, however, that case will need to be articulated in an ever more convincing manner by all community college stakeholders.
As always, your thoughts or suggestions are welcome.
Memo from Chancellor Zimpher – 2009-10 spending reductions
John W. Deans
Interim President
