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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Dainma Martinez, Vice Chair for Community College Affairs of University Student Senate and SGA President of Hostos Community College, CUNY
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Dainma Martinez, a CUNY student leader, testifies against proposed budget cuts to CUNY community colleges, emphasizing their devastating impact on essential student services and the widening of educational gaps for marginalized communities. She urges the council to invest in CUNY as an investment in the city's future.
- Martinez highlights the $95.5 million in proposed cuts, including $10 million from Hostos Community College alone
- She stresses the importance of student services like tutoring, emergency grants, and food pantries for student success
- As a first-generation, disabled BIPOC student, Martinez provides a personal perspective on the critical nature of these resources
Dainma Martinez
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Good afternoon council members.
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My name is Martinez.
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I am a forensic science major student and I am also the SGA president, student government president of Hostos Community College and the university student senate vice chair for community colleges.
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I'm honored to testify today on the behalf of my fellow students regarding the devastating impact the proposed budget cuts to CUNY community colleges.
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CUNY is often referred as the people's university and for good reasons.
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It provides countless first generations, low income, and minority students like myself, with access to higher education, economic mobility, and a path to a better future.
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But mayor Adams proposed 95,500,000.0 in cuts to CUNY community colleges, including a 10,000,000 cut from Hostos alone.
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These cuts would result in larger classes, fewer courses offering, and a reduction in essential student services like academic advising, mental health support, and career counseling.
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Many of us rely on these resources to navigating college while juggling jobs, family responsibility, and financial hardships.
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I am a first generation disabled BIPOC college student and I am also a student leader and someone who faces many struggles in the CUNY.
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I know firsthand how critical programs like tutoring center, emergency grants, and food pantries are to student success, as well as slashing funds will force students to make impossible choices, choosing between attending school and working extra shifts.
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At Hostos Community College, a college that serves a predominantly black and light cine x student body, these cuts are more than just numbers, they're a direct attack on the suspects of historically marginalized communities.
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Many of my peers already face systemic barriers to education and in these budget budget reductions will only widen the gap between opportunities and access.
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New York City cannot afford to balance its budget at the expense of its students.
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Investing in CUNY is an investment in the future of the city.
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We're not asking for a favor, we're demanding that you uphold CUNY promises of accessibility and high quality education.