Tardy budget has little effect on UB
No tuition hike expected

By SUE WUETCHER
News Services Associate Editor

The Legislature has been approving emergency funding bills to keep state operations afloat during budget negotiations, so even though the impasse has gone beyond July 1, the beginning of SUNY's fiscal year, UB has been operating "as if last year's budget has been in effect," Greiner said.

The only possible effect on UB may be the uncertainty for students about tuition for the coming year, Greiner added.

But state budget negotiators have indicated that there will be no tuition increase for the fall. And Gov. Pataki announced on Monday that the Tuition Assistance Program, which provides financial aid to students, will not be cut.

Pataki had proposed a $175 million cut in TAP and a $400 tuition increase in the budget plan he unveiled in January.

Greiner said that although a final budget is not yet in place, "the chances for an increase in tuition and the chances for a significant budget reduction (for UB) are very low.

"All signs are that the state is absolutely awash in money," he said, pointing to a strong state economy and the booming stock market.

UB is hoping to receive at least the same level of funding as last year, "and my guess is that the budget will be pretty positive for next year," an election year, he said.

"We may be able to take a breather."