PAUL STEINBERG, THE GAZETTE, OUR GOVERNOR AND MORE

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THE FOLLOWING LETTER FROM PAUL STEINBERG APPEARS IN THE MOST RECENT EDTION OF THE GAZETTE AND IS RE-PRINTED HERE WITH THE AUTHOR'S PERMISSION:

To the Editor:

In a few weeks, Kathy Hochul will celebrate her 67th birthday. Regardless of what you think of her skills or politics, I think we can all agree that she is making a productive contribution to our state. One of those contributions has been her support of our public universities.

The recent “Reconnect” initiative enables adults without a degree to attend SUNY and CUNY without cost. As customary with NYS scholarship programs, Reconnect is a “last dollar” program so the cost to taxpayers is minimized.

The program is open to state residents eligible for in-state tuition. This is in reality a euphemism for undocumented persons. I don’t have a problem with that. Immigration policy is a legitimate debate to have, but it is in the interest of our state to have residents able to participate in the workforce to the maximum extent of their ability.

Unlike Governor Hochul, I believe that people have the ability to contribute even at the ripe old age of 56 or even at… 67.

The age cutoff for Reconnect is 55 years old. Why? If someone has spent their adult life working and paying taxes in this state, they should at least be given the same respect as someone who arrived at the border last week.

There are not many people who are determined enough to start college at the age of 56. I don’t think that I would do so, and I admire those with such ambition.

Age discrimination is a real problem in our society. Shame on our Governor and legislators for perpetuating such hurtful stereotypes.

—Paul Steinberg, Croton-on-Hudson