By Nelson A. King
The Public Advocate’s office on
Monday called for additional funding
for the City University of New York
(CUNY) and a reduction in student
costs.
In testimony submitted to the
CUNY Board of Trustees at its hearing,
Deputy Public Advocate of Education
& Opportunity Daniel Garcia-
McGuire said “the Public Advocate
is concerned that systemic underfunding
from the state and city has
required CUNY to force students -
a majority of whom are from lowincome
backgrounds, are people of
more color, and graduated from our
city’s public schools - to bear the
brunt of the costs of attending our
city’s public university system”
Garcia-McGuire also said that “the
Public Advocate’s office will stand on
the front lines with CUNY, students
and faculty to advocate for long overdue
funding and support.”
This hearing follows the release of
a report last week by Public Advocate
Jumaane Williams, which analyzes
the current funding crisis faced by
CUNY, while outlining solutions the
city and state should implement to
safeguard the institution’s sustainability.
“Systemic underfunding amid a
period of massive enrollment growth
limits CUNY’s ability to maintain educational
and operational excellence
and alleviate the financial burden of
thousands of students, most of whom
come from low-income backgrounds,
are people of more color, and graduated
from NYC public schools,” the
report says.
“Over the past decade, per-student
funding from New York State
has dropped 18 percent, adjusted for
inflation and enrollment growth,” it
adds. “At the same time, the amount
the state provides from the Tuition
Assistance Program increased 11 percent,
meaning more students attended
CUNY using tuition assistance
grants paid by the state that may not
have covered the full tuition.
“Given these developments, CUNY
students have been increasingly stuck
shouldering the financial burden of
attending an institution of higher
education,” the report continues.
“Though tuition remains relatively
low for in-state students and CUNY
students typically graduate with limited
student loan debt, non-tuition
costs – namely housing and food
– can set back students and their
families tens of thousands of dollars
a year.”
Caribbean Life, December 13-19, 2019 3
Residents gather to witness the Seddio Family Holiday Display, Flatlands & 93rd Street, Canarsie, Brooklyn.
Photo by Tangerine Clarke
Seddio family dedicates holiday display
to the memory of Josephine Bolus
By Tangerine Clarke
With thousands of fairy lights, animated
skaters, a petting zoo, Santa’s
workshop, a carousel displaying Caribbean
flags, and a new Pinocchio window
display, Frank Seddio, once again,
transformed the corner of Flatlands
Ave. and 93rd Street into a Christmas
spectacle.
The Friday, Dec.6 lighting display,
thrilled scores of starry-eyed children
and their parents, after the husband
of Josephine Bolus - in whose memory
the 2019 Holiday Display is dedicated –
joined Frank Seddio, to carry on, the
annual tradition in Canarsie, Brooklyn.
Seddio, a retired assemblyman who
said he was passionate about the holiday
display, praised the late Josephine Bolus
for her role in organizing the Memorial
Day parade in the community.
“Josephine was a wonderful person.
She and her husband Henry moved into
Canarsie, and for 50 years, we have been
friends. This is a great lost for the community.
We appreciate all that they did,”
said Seddio.
The festive night that began with
blessings by Father Mike McGee of the
Holy Family Church, continued with
the sweet voices of pupils of PS 115, who
warmed the hearts of spectators with a
collection of favorite Christmas carols.
The Holy Church choir then continued
sharing cheer with “Oh Holy
Night,” “The Christmas Song,” “Feliz
Nevidad,” and others, that filled the
evening with Christmas joy.
Frank Seddio, decked out in a Santa
hat, has helped in a big way to carry on
the family tradition for more than 30
years. He participates in every aspect
of the presentation, including greeting
elected officials, friends, and the community,
while ensuring that the presentation
runs smoothly.
Politicians, as usual, turned out in
their numbers and thanked the Seddios
for their love of Canarsie and support of
the community.
They all wished the community,
Happy Holidays, Happy Chanukah, and
Happy Kwanza.
Letitia James, New York’s first female
attorney general, told the gathering to
be grateful for each other, and called on
them to say ‘thank you,’ to each other,
as they share love this holiday season.
New York State Comptroller, Thomas
DiNapoli, praised the Seddio family for
bringing residents together in Canarsie,
to reconnect with family and friends,
and offered peace, love, and blessings.
“Happy Holidays, thanks for bringing
joy, and more importantly light, to the
community, not only from your house,
but your leadership, and keeping things
in order in the great borough of Brooklyn,
said State Senator, Kevin Parker,
who encouraged residents to “enjoy the
festivities, be safe, and love one other.”
Councilman Alan Maisel noted that
the holiday display was an outstanding
event in “this part of Brooklyn. Families
are in awe of the wonderful lights,”
adding, that Frank Seddio’s love of
Canarsie and its people, inspires him to
continue the tradition.
Commanding Officer of the 69th
Precint, Inspector Anderson, in turn,
assured residents of their safety, during
holiday season. While District Leader,
Sue Ann Partnow, called the display a
labor of love for the Seddio family, adding
that it gets bigger every year.
Melba Brown, 58 Assembly District,
Anthony Jones 55th Assembly District,
WIADCA President, Jean Joseph, and
others, attended the festive event, that
ended with the arrival of Santa Claus
and his elves, much to the delight of
scores of children who lined up for a
picture, and a treat from Old St. Nicholas.
Henry Bolus joins Frank Seddio to
turn on the holiday lights at the corner
of Flatlands Ave. and 93rd Street
in Canarsie, Brooklyn.
Photo by Tangerine Clarke
CUNY
funding
appeal