RUSSELL SAYS SUNY ‘DOESN’T GET IT’

Assemblywoman Denounces

Multimillion-Dollar Renovation Plan,

$30K raises for SUNY

execs during fiscal crisis

WATERTOWN (September 20, 2010) – “In the face of SUNY employee layoffs and reduction in student aid, the recent double-digit raises and lavish executive suite make overs are outrageous,” said Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa). “As SUNY Chancellor, Nancy Zimpher’s top priority should be ensuring that our students receive the affordable, high quality education they deserve, not handing out raises and approving multimillion-dollar office renovations and furnishings.”

According to an Albany Times Union report, SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher is financing a multimillion-dollar renovation plan for the executive offices at the SUNY headquartersin Albany. In addition, her three highest-ranking deputies recently received pay raises of$30,000 each. On top of their pay, now ranging from $250,000 to $315,000, these officials currently receive housing allowances and have their monthly transportation paid for by SUNY.

“What makes these revelations even more revolting is that this excessive spending is happening at the same time that North Country families are trying to figure out how to put food on the table, keep up with the mortgage, and send their kids to college,” said Russell.

The assemblywoman noted that Chancellor Zimpher launched an aggressive advocacy effort to compel state legislators to enact SUNY-Flex, a measure that would allow SUNY to set college and university tuition rates independently, eliminating the legislative oversight and approval built into the process.
To read more from Assemblywoman Russell click HERE