An Open Letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo of NY
Open Letter - April 10, 2020
Dear Governor Cuomo,
I commend you for the job you are doing during this coronavirus crisis. This was a black swan event that no one could predict or prepare for. You and your administration, working with our President have done a good job keeping our citizens safe as much as can be expected under extraordinary circumstances.
This crisis will end in due time and we will come out of it stronger and united as a people of this great State.
I want to write to you as a long time resident of NY and a product of the CUNY system. I want to call your attention to the crisis that is going on in our higher education system of SUNY and CUNY. This crisis has been brewing for a long time and the latest coronavirus just push it to the breaking point.
The estimated budget shortfall of $10-19 Billion for our State which will translate to an additional reduction of budget allocated to our schools. This is on top of recent across the board cuts prior to this coronavirus outbreak.
It is astounding to say the least.
Given the recent stimulus bill passed by a bipartisan Congress and signed by the President of over $2.2 trillion, it is hard to believe that the portion going to support public higher education is only $350 million for the whole state of NY, out of the $1.6 billion Education Stabilization fund, according to Crain's New York Business.
Something is just not right about this.
If there is ever a need for financial support, now is the time.
I am not asking for preferential treatment but only equal treatment for our public higher education system. At a time when business large and small are given $billions of stimulus and loans, why is our education system left in the dust?
I beseech you as our Governor to work with our Congressional leaders to get the funding we desperately need and deserve.
Sincerely,
Jack C. Lee
Yorktown Heights, NY
Some Related Info
- What is in the $2 trillion federal stimulus bill for New York City and State to fight coronavirus
After a week of partisan squabbling, Congress finally passed a $2 trillion coronavirus rescue plan on Friday. Here's a breakdown of what New York gets out of it and the two previous rescue bills. First, the most important element of the package... - House Passes Coronavirus Package: Here’s What’s in It | Time
The House passed a landmark $2 trillion stimulus package for millions of Americans and businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic. - Ruth’s Chris Steak House Gets $20 Million From Coronavirus Aid Program - WSJ
The high-end dining chain is among the first public companies to disclose it has received a government-backed loan to support payroll, days after the $350 billion program to aid small businesses started taking applications.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2020 Jack Lee
