Union members of United University Professions as well as elected leaders are rallying in support for Buffalo State and Fredonia — two of 19 SUNY campuses they cite as facing projected budget deficits. Dr. Frederick Kowal, United University Professions Statewide president, says it started with an enrollment decline. “You have institutions that are driven by tuition and fees, and when you start to see an enrollment decline, that's going to affect the revenue side, then COVID hit and you had a real dramatic impact on enrollment,” said Dr. Kowal. He says now the challenge is to bring them back. Kowal called for a $350 million new investment into campuses. He also urges state leaders to take action to provide the necessary funding.
