By Mark Scott
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-806799.mp3
Buffalo, NY – The new state budget proposed by Governor David Paterson Tuesday raises tuition for students attending the State University of New York. But it also includes the creation of a loan program to help students meet the higher costs.
In his budget address yesterday, Governor Paterson admitted he feels bad about the cuts he's had to make to higher education. So, he introduced a plan to help students cope with rising tuition.
The loan program would provide a minimum of $350 million in loans to 45,000 instate students. The loans would be offered at below market rates.
Paterson is also recommending a $620 tuition increase for SUNY students. But UB President John Simpson says he remains concerned that much of the increase would go toward closing the state deficit rather than to SUNY itself.
Click the audio player above to hear Mark Scott's story now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.