Fiscally strapped State University of New York campuses, including those at Fredonia and Jamestown Community College, had a reason for optimism after the approval of the budget over the weekend.

State University of New York’s Board of Trustees and Interim Chancellor Deborah Stanley called the plan one of the “strongest executive budget proposals in nearly a generation.” The new 2022-23 spending plan includes a $255 million increase in operating aid, and more than $660 million in additional capital for SUNY alone.

“We greatly appreciate the tireless efforts of the governor, as well as our state legislators and their staff for this historic investment,” the board and Stanley said. “The substantial increase in capital and operating aid will significantly benefit our students by ensuring that SUNY can fulfill its mission of providing a world-class education, continue to build state-of-the art research facilities and classrooms for engineering and other STEM fields, and hire excellent faculty to join our ranks.”

In a news release Saturday, Gov. Kathy Hochul said the state is providing more than $500 million in new SUNY and CUNY operating support. This transformational increase includes money for both systems and greater supports for students across the State. This includes $68 million of one-time debt service relief for the three SUNY teaching hospitals.

“The opportunity to pursue a quality education is the silver bullet for so many New Yorkers,” Hochul said. “With this budget we are going to unleash the power of higher education to lift up the people of our state by investing in our institutions and our teachers. Thanks to the help of Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Heastie, this unprecedented level of funding will broaden access to opportunity in New York and build the education system of the future.”

Both SUNY Fredonia and SUNY JCC have seen operating deficits in recent years. Last month, the College Council at SUNY Fredonia heard plans to reduce a deficit that’s near $15 million. Both institutions were hoping for additional funding, which is part of this package.

Union officials also hailed the increased spending. Dr. Frederick E. Kowal, Ph.D, president of the United University Professions, the nation’s largest higher education union, called said the agreement puts the system on “a path to a stronger future.”

“In the coming years SUNY will need consistent support, including direct state aid to campuses, to achieve Governor Hochul’s ambitious goals of strengthening the system,” he said.