Bill > A08799

This bill provides for a series of financial and programmatic adjustments for graduate student employees at the State University of New York (SUNY). The key provisions include a 3% annual stipend increase for graduate student workers from academic years 2023-2024 through 2025-2026, with the minimum annual stipend rising to $18,000 for full-time assistants at university centers and health science centers by July 1, 2026. The bill also continues several support funds and programs, including a doctoral program recruitment and retention enhancement fund, a comprehensive college graduate program recruitment and retention fund, a fee mitigation fund, and a downstate location fund. Additionally, the bill maintains work-life services, pre-tax programs, a professional development committee, and an accidental death benefit for graduate student employees. These provisions are part of a collective bargaining agreement for the state university graduate student negotiating unit, with most programs set to expire on July 1, 2026. The bill ensures that stipend increases and benefits will only be implemented after a certified collective negotiating agreement is in place, and provides mechanisms for payment and allocation of funds to support these changes.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8799