It started with a campaign akin to novelist Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities,” with New York City as the backdrop for Bill de Blasio’s political crusade. It was a modern take on the classic tale, casting rich and poor New Yorkers as the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, and he counted on support from the poor hoped to provide him with a wealthy victory. Four years ago, the middle-aged Brooklynite with a biracial family seemed to be the second coming of Christ the Democratic party had been waiting for. His policies were clear and straight-forward, eliminating the bureaucratic jargon past candidates were famous for. He had that je nei…
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CUNY to eliminate application fees for 37,500 students
Students from low-income families will no longer have to pay the $65 application fee for CUNY schools. The application fee waiver is part of an initiative launched by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina and aims to eliminate financial barriers to affordable education. “Eliminating the application fee for low-income seniors will have a profound impact for thousands of students and their families,” de Blasio said. Additionally, the application fee waiver allows qualified students to submit an application for up to six CUNY schools. This gives students more options as to where to pursue their studies. “This initiative by the city will open the doors…
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CUNY takes a backseat to city and state power struggle
Earlier this year, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s proposed executive budget included shifting nearly $500 million for CUNY from the state to the city. While the lawmakers in Albany must decide on a new budget later this year, New York City did not account for the change in the proposed budget. In fact, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio was informed about the change the night before Governor Cuomo unveiled his budget. Cuomo and de Blasio are often seen as rivals despite being Democrats. The two disagree about issues like housing, funding for city programs and other policies. CUNY is now a major issue between the city and state…
