THE ASSEMBLY

STATE OF NEW YORK

ALBANY

C O M M I T TE E S
Agriculture
I n su ra n c e
Labor
L o ca l Go ve rn m e n t s
Tra n sp o rt a ti o n
V e t e ra n s Af f ai rs

JAMES SKOUFIS
Member of Assembly
th
9 9 Di st ri ct

Hon. Andrew M. Cuomo

Governor of New York State
NYS Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

Dear Governor Cuomo:

I am very pleased to learn that your office is discussing options with the White House to provide free
community college tuition for New York students. As you know, I have been a strong proponent of
efforts to provide relief to students seeking a higher education. As your dialogue with the federal
government continues, I am writing to urge you to consider supporting Tuition-Free NY, legislation I
introduced in January 2014 that would make both two- and four-year SUNY and CUNY colleges
tuition-free for in-state students (A.5098). While it is critical we support greater access to community
colleges, it is equally important that we extend our efforts to four-year public institutions as well.
Tuition-Free NY would grant free tuition to students who meet community service requirements and
agree to work full time in New York State for a minimum of five years following graduation. The
legislation was overwhelmingly approved by the Assembly Committee on Higher Education each of
the past two years and has been met with great enthusiasm as I have shared the idea with students,
teachers, parents and administrators throughout the state.
Nowhere in our state should cost be a barrier to better educating oneself. We have too many families
having conversations around kitchen tables about whether they are able to afford sending their child to
college this is fundamentally wrong and New York can do better by its residents. Furthermore, a
tuition-free New York would untie countless millions of dollars previously earmarked to repay student
loans and enable that money to be spent in the housing market and in our local communities small
businesses.
Thank you for your efforts towards a tuition-free New York. If you would like to discuss this
important issue further, I can be reached at 845-469-6929.
Sincerely,

James Skoufis
Member of Assembly
ALBANY OFFICE: Room 821, Legislative Off ice Building, Albany, New York 12248 518-455-544 1 FAX: 518-455- 5884
DISTRICT OFFICE: 11 Main Street, Chester, New York 10918 845-469-6929 FA X: 845-469- 0914
EMAIL: skouf isj@assembly.state.ny.us