Growing Deficits Highlighted At NY Public Colleges, Including SUNY Fredonia

App users, tap here to watch video report.

FREDONIA, NY (WNY News Now) – The faculty union for New York’s public colleges and universities is sounding the alarm about growing deficits at several institutions, including SUNY Fredonia.

United University Professions President Fred Kowal held a press conference in Buffalo on Tuesday, calling for major increase in SUNY before the start of the state’s budget process.

At least 19 SUNY colleges and universities face multi-million-dollar deficit, which Kowal says is mostly driven by a “gross underfunding” from past administrations, like that of former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

SUNY schools, Kowal goes on to say, relies heavily on tuition. Because tuition was frozen for two years, and tuition-free admittance is expanding, many schools are struggling financially.

“In Chautauqua County, SUNY Fredonia faces a $16.8 million dollar deficit,” Kowal said to WGRZ-TV. “This is simply unacceptable and, to speak candidly, cause for serious concern.”