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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Akkeem Polack, Vice Chair of Legislative Affairs for University Student Senate at CUNY
2:12:17
ยท
129 sec
Akkeem Polack, a student at York College and Vice Chair of Legislative Affairs for the University Student Senate at CUNY, testified about the financial challenges facing CUNY students, particularly focusing on transportation costs. He emphasized the need for free MetroCards for all CUNY students to ensure access to education and opportunities.
- Highlighted the rising cost of living in New York City and its impact on CUNY students
- Described how long commutes and increasing transit fares create an "unbearable burden" for thousands of students
- Argued that access to affordable transportation is crucial for students to attend classes, participate in internships, research, and civic life
Akkeem Polack
2:12:17
Second.
2:12:19
Good day everyone.
2:12:20
I'm Akim Polak and I am a student at York College.
2:12:24
I also serve as a student government president as well as the vice chair for legislative affairs with the University Student Senate.
2:12:31
And like my fellow colleagues here, I chose CUNY because of the reputation of providing working class people with an affordable and quality education.
2:12:42
It has a global reputation for being that vehicle of socioeconomic class mobility.
2:12:48
While it's full of opportunities, many of our students still struggle with financial and structural barriers that threaten our success.
2:12:57
One of the most pressing challenges facing CUNY students today is the sharp rising cost of living.
2:13:02
This of course, it's not only a New York City issue, we see rents, homes, cars, groceries skyrocketing, the price of eggs, and other things as a result of the COVID pandemic.
2:13:16
One thing that makes New York City different is that we have the largest and probably even more reliable system of public transit.
2:13:26
However, we need relief as CUNY students.
2:13:29
Many of us, we travel long distances, sometimes up to two hours a day just to get to class.
2:13:35
It's not optional, it's a necessity.
2:13:38
However, with the increasing fares, commuting to class has been an unbearable burden for thousands of students.
2:13:45
That's why the USS along with all CUNY students are calling for free metro cards for CUNY students, because we believe that access to transportation is access to education.
2:13:57
A student who cannot afford a metro card or OmniCard cannot attend class.
2:14:02
A student who cannot afford to travel cannot take an internship, participate in research or even engage in civic life.
2:14:09
Without reliable and affordable transportations transportation, students are forced to make impossible choices.
2:14:16
Do I go to class today or do I save that swipe for work so I can afford rent?
2:14:21
That's why we're really calling for free Metro cards for all CUNY students.
2:14:25
Thank you.