P-J file photo

United University Professions, the nation’s largest higher education union, rallied today in Buffalo to highlight massive projected operating deficits at SUNY Buffalo State College and SUNY Fredonia, which threaten the viability of public higher education and the economic future of the surrounding communities in Western New York.

UUP President Frederick E. Kowal joined Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, State Senator Tim Kennedy, Assemblymember Monica Wallace, and Assemblymember Jon Rivera at Buffalo State to reiterate the critical and immediate need to reverse projected multimillion-dollar deficits plaguing SUNY campuses in the Western New York region. For the current fiscal year, Buffalo State faces a $16 million deficit and SUNY Fredonia faces a $16.8 million deficit.

“The future of SUNY and the affordable education it delivers to students is in jeopardy. Today, we are urging lawmakers to take the initiative to alleviate the financial burden that continues to loom over the very students who benefit from this institution,” said Kowal. “SUNY campuses are under massive financial pressure, and this is not an issue we can resolve on our own. State officials must take action to deliver funding that will safeguard access to high-quality higher education in New York.”

SUNY campuses in Western New York are a key driver of economic growth in surrounding communities, supporting local businesses, and helping to generate a positive economic impact. Buffalo State and Fredonia contribute significantly to the region’s supply of educators, as well as the greater industry workforce and population.

SUNY Fredonia has supported various local small businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transportation services, by organizing approximately 150 events per year and drawing approximately 43,000 people to the area annually.

SUNY Fredonia has a significant impact on the local economy; students spend nearly $50 million off-campus, and campus visitors spend an additional $4 million.