New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has allocated $8 million to cut the high cost of textbooks for students at the state’s public colleges and universities.
The governor is providing the funding to the Open Educational Resources (OER) Initiative, which offers books and other materials that can be downloaded, edited and shared.
“Higher education is a necessity for a middle-class future, yet the rising costs of educational resources make it difficult for many students,” said Cuomo, who is thought to be mulling a 2020 presidential run. “Through programs like the Excelsior Scholarship, the first-in-the-nation free college tuition program for students at SUNY and CUNY, and the OER initiative, we are providing important financial relief for many of our students and families, helping to make quality higher education accessible for all New Yorkers.”
The OER has replaced textbooks in more than 4,000 course selections, saving more than a combined $12.3 million.
According to state officials, by the end next year, the initiative will have covered 260,000 students for a total savings of more than $28 million.
“Every person should have the opportunity to pursue higher education without the burden of high costs for tuition and resources needed in the classroom,” Lt. Gov Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “We’re committed to making college more affordable for students and their families. This funding will continue to provide financial relief and give students the tools they need to succeed in college and beyond.”
SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson praised the educational investment.
