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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by John Hara, Vice Chair of International Student Affairs at USS and LaGuardia Community College Student, on CUNY Budget Cuts and Student Needs
2:30:03
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John Hara, a LaGuardia Community College student and USS vice chair, testified about the impact of CUNY budget cuts on student services and resources. He urged the council to restore CUNY's funding to pre-2021 levels and support initiatives like free MetroCards and the CUNY CARES program to address student financial hardships.
- LaGuardia Community College has experienced over $4 million in funding losses, leading to reductions in academic advisors, mental health counselors, library hours, and transfer services.
- Hara advocated for the USS proposal for free MetroCards to address rising transportation costs for students.
- He emphasized the need for immediate public safety enhancements, increased academic services, mental health resources, and improved IT infrastructure across CUNY campuses.
John Hara
2:30:03
Good afternoon, chair Eric Dinowitz and members of the city council committee on higher education.
2:30:10
Thank you for the opportunity to testify here today.
2:30:13
My name is John Hara.
2:30:15
I am a student at LaGuardia Community College.
2:30:18
I am also serving as president for student government and also vice chair for international student affairs at USS.
2:30:28
In my role in student government, I have the privilege to hear the voices of my fellow students.
2:30:35
Many of us are struggling with reduced resources that are critical to our success.
2:30:41
At LaGuardia alone, we've experienced over 4,000,000 in funding losses, which has led to fewer academic advisors and mental health counselors, diminished library hours, and cuts to crucial transfer services.
2:30:55
Some of our campus facilities have also suffered, affecting public safety and essential maintenance.
2:31:02
Through my conversations with students, I have come to understand the importance of support for those experiencing financial hardships.
2:31:09
The CUNY CARES program has been a critical resource for many, providing assistance during emergencies.
2:31:15
And it's essential that we boost funding for this program so every student, including those raising families, has access to the help they need.
2:31:24
Additionally, many students have shared their concerns about the rising costs of transportation.
2:31:30
For some, getting to campus is not just a daily commute.
2:31:33
It's a significant barrier to their location.
2:31:35
I've heard from students who spend a large portion of their limited budget on transit fares, which could otherwise go towards essentials like textbooks or groceries.
2:31:44
That's why I'm advocating for the USS proposal for free metro cards.
2:31:49
To address these challenges effectively, I urge the council to consider restoring CUNY's funding to pre 2021 levels.
2:31:56
We need immediate public safety enhancements, increased support for academic services, special mental health resources, and a robust IT infrastructure.
2:32:07
Investing in the CUNY CARES program and ensuring the free medical card initiative is included in the budget will go a long way in creating a more equitable educational environment.
Eric Dinowitz
2:32:17
Thank you.
2:32:18
Thank you for your testimony.
2:32:19
Thank you, mister Hara.
John Hara
2:32:20
Thank you for your time.