Applications open for free community college program in New York
The program, previously announced by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, covers the cost of tuition, books and additional fees for residents between 25 to 55-years-old who enroll in high-demand fields.
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'The cost of pursuing a degree should never be a barrier for New Yorkers — that's why we're opening the doors of opportunity at SUNY and CUNY so that students can achieve their dreams,' said Hochul.
Those interested can apply for a CUNY program by clicking here for a SUNY program by clicking here.
More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State
Perspective students must enroll in one of the following programs to qualify for the free community college program.
Advanced manufacturing
Artificial Intelligence
Cybersecurity
Engineering
Technology
Nursing and allied health fields
Green and renewable energy
Pathways to teaching in shortage areas
Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Politico
a day ago
- Politico
Trump and Schumer couldn't clinch a deal. Now a shutdown hangs in the balance.
Despite decades of history between them, their relationship is now almost nonexistent. They haven't had a formal one-on-one meeting since Trump's second inauguration. And they did not speak directly as part of the nominations negotiations, according to two people granted anonymity to discuss private details. The unraveling of a typical pre-summer recess nominations deal has many on Capitol Hill concerned about what is to come. While other congressional leaders are sure to figure into the negotiations, it's Schumer — who will determine whether Senate Democrats filibuster spending legislation — and Trump — who has to sign any shutdown-averting bill — who will be the key players. 'It would be better if those two negotiated,' Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) said of Trump and Schumer. Cramer said Senate Majority Leader John Thune served last week as the 'arbitrator' ferrying between the 'bare-knuckled' New Yorkers during the recent nominations fight. And Speaker Mike Johnson will have his hands full trying to keep his thin majority united behind a spending strategy that will keep the pressure on Democrats. Democrats believe the onus is on Thune and Johnson to wrangle Trump — the dominant leader of their party — and convince him to come to the table. They are using their hardball tactics over nominations as a warning shot for the fall funding fight. 'Sooner or later, Donald Trump — Mr. 'Art of the Deal,' or so he claims — is going to have to learn that he has to work with Democrats if he wants to get deals, good deals, that help the American people,' Schumer said late Saturday night as the Senate prepared to leave town for the summer. 'Going at it alone will be a failed strategy.' Trump's decision to temporarily abandon his confirmations push rather than give in to what he called 'political extortion' from Schumer allowed the embattled Democratic leader to do a pre-recess victory lap after taking heat from the party base for months. Schumer came under fierce criticism in March for helping to advance a shutdown-avoiding spending bill written solely by Republicans. He warned at the time that a shutdown would only empower Trump and that the dynamic would be different come September as, he predicted, Trump became more unpopular. Nine other members of his caucus joined him. Trump initially urged Republicans to stay in Washington until all of the roughly 150 pending nominees were confirmed — a demand that could have essentially erased the Senate's planned four-week recess. But Schumer and Democrats demanded that Trump unfreeze congressionally approved spending in return for consenting to the swift approval of some nominees. Trump would not pay the price. In a post where he blasted 'Senator Cryin' Chuck Schumer,' Trump instructed senators to go home. Republicans flirted with adjourning the Senate to let Trump make recess appointments, but that would have required recalling the House — and reviving the Trump-centered drama over the Jeffrey Epstein files. Instead, they are vowing to pursue a rules change later this year to quickly push Trump's nominees through the Senate. Schumer relished the Truth Social post, putting a poster-sized version on display next to him as he spoke to reporters Saturday night and comparing it to a 'fit of rage.' He kept the heat on Monday, joining with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to demand a so-called four corners meeting with Thune and Johnson to discuss a government funding strategy lest a government shutdown hit Oct. 1. (Republicans, who accuse Schumer of 'breaking' the funding process, haven't responded.) Though Schumer and Thune have had informal talks about September, they haven't delved beyond the broad strokes. The South Dakota Republican, asked about Trump and Schumer, predicted the two will have an 'evolving relationship.' 'At some point, obviously, there are certain things they are just going to have to figure out, because on some of these things where we need 60 [votes], there are going to have to be conversations,' Thune said in a brief interview. Schumer and Thune joined 85 other senators to advance the chamber's first bipartisan funding package late last week, in a show of unity that senators hope will pave the way for another package of spending bills in September. But Congress is still expected to need a short-term funding patch by Oct. 1, and there are early signs of splinters among Republicans about what that step should look like. But the nomination fight also underscores that Trump is the ultimate wild card heading into the showdown. At various points heading into and over the weekend, Republicans and Democrats appeared to believe they were close to an agreement and just needed Trump's blessing, only for it to unravel. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said that Schumer's 'satisfaction' in the wake of the nominations showdown is justified but added it was impossible to predict if Trump would come to the table in September. 'One of the most striking and salient facts about Donald Trump is his unpredictability,' he said. Schumer and Senate Democrats have been trying to game out multiple scenarios in closed-door caucus meetings. They have also been discussing what demands to make in exchange for their votes to fund the government. Those could range from an ironclad commitment from Republicans that they won't agree to claw back more funding or seek policy concessions, such as unfreezing foreign aid or National Institutes of Health funds, or pursuing a deal on soon-to-expire Affordable Care Act tax credits. Democrats have their own internal fault lines to manage. Already Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman is vowing to vote to keep the government open, while others like Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts are striking a more combative tone. Republicans' unwillingness to commit to rejecting future spending clawbacks, she said, shows 'the budget negotiations weren't worth the paper they were written on.' But Schumer, for now, is savoring the moment. After he wrapped up his news conference Saturday night, the smiling Democratic leader insisted his party was 'more effective and more unified than the Republicans' as he kibitzed with reporters. 'What do you think — the art of the deal?' he asked, his arm around a poster-board display of Trump's 'Cryin' Chuck' post.
Politico
2 days ago
- Politico
Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams are in a high-stakes staring contest
The killing of officer Didarul Islam has placed renewed scrutiny on Mamdani's prior support of slashing police budgets and his calls to disband a unit that responded to the shooting at a Manhattan office building. Cuomo's campaign strategy in recent weeks has been to focus on Mamdani's far-left platform on policing, taxes and government spending — all of which the former governor says is out of step with most New Yorkers. Cuomo believes that shining a light on his rival's plans for the city would weaken his poll numbers. Support for Mamdani has been durable in the month since his primary win, though. And with Adams and Cuomo alike acknowledging this race isn't big enough for the both of them, the dynamic has alarmed the city's donor class as the feud spills over into competing trips to the Hamptons on Long Island — a summertime playground for the city's wealthiest residents. Adams and Cuomo have made sojourns to the eastern end of Long Island this summer to court supporters, with the former governor going as far as to joke he would leave for Florida if Mamdani became mayor. The jibe, though, spoke to a larger anxiety for rich New Yorkers: Mamdani wants permission from Albany to sharply raise their taxes to fund his campaign promises like free bus service and government-run grocery stores. As a result, most of these donors find Mamdani's left-wing politics and criticism of Israel anathema. Those with the deepest pockets, like billionaire former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who gave more than $8 million to a pro-Cuomo super PAC, remain on the sidelines. Placing another bet on Cuomo — who lost to Mamdani by a stunning 12 points in the Democratic primary — or backing Adams, who has polled in single digits in some surveys, is a heavy lift. 'Right now the business class, when it comes to the mayoral election, they're sitting in stunned disbelief,' Paterson said in an interview. 'They can't recognize that this actually happened.' The uncertainty among business leaders gives Cuomo some time to make his case that Adams should leave the race in order to consolidate support behind him over the mayor, who trails Sliwa in some polls. Even as super PACs proliferate this summer — mostly with the intent of stopping Mamdani — donors remain nervous.
Politico
2 days ago
- Politico
Trump and Schumer head for a high-stakes rematch
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Cramer said, was left to act as 'arbitrator' ferrying between the 'bare-knuckled' New Yorkers. The failure of negotiations was fueled by the White House's hesitation to unfreeze congressionally approved spending in exchange for fast-tracking Trump's nominees. Democrats think the onus is on Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson to get Trump to come to the table in the looming shutdown talks. In closed-door caucus meetings, Democrats have been gaming out scenarios and discussing what demands to make in exchange for their votes to fund the government. Sen. Elissa Slotkin said at a town hall Monday she wouldn't vote for the funding bill in September unless Republicans 'do something to restore some of the cuts' related to health care included in the recently passed megabill. Thune acknowledges that direct negotiations between Trump and Schumer are going to be essential to any deal. 'At some point ... on some of these things where we need 60 [votes], there are going to have to be conversations,' he said in a brief interview. GOOD TUESDAY MORNING. Email us: crazor@ mmccarthy@ and bguggenheim@ THE LEADERSHIP SUITE Jeffries calls for 'extraordinary response' to Texas redistricting House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Texas' attempt to redistrict an 'all hands on deck' moment for Democrats and showed his support for Democratic governors who are exploring new map options. 'This moment does require, you know, an extraordinary response because this is an extraordinary act,' Jeffries told CNN's Wolf Blitzer Monday. Jeffries said he appreciated the efforts of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who are discussing redistricting options in their states to counter the Texas GOP's redistricting plan, done at Trump's behest. Democrats in the Texas legislature fled the state over the weekend to blue states, including New York, in an attempt to block Republicans. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Democrats 'forfeited their seats' by leaving the state. Jeffries called Abbott's comments 'idle threats' and said he is 'all hat, no cattle.' 'It's an all-hands-on-deck moment for us,' Jeffries said. 'That means House Democrats, Senate Democrats, Democratic governors, Democratic members of the state legislature, Democratic attorney generals, but most importantly, the American people.' GOP's megabill sales pitch meets early jeers The House Republican push to sell Trump's megabill over August recess hit an early speed bump during Rep. Mike Flood's town hall Monday night. Flood endured loud boos during the Q&A at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln after he deployed such GOP talking points as, 'If you choose not to work, you do not receive free health care,' and 'This bill protects Medicaid from the future.' Much of the pushback revolved around whether Republicans were willing to challenge any aspects of Trump's agenda. 'Who do you work for?' one audience member asked. The contentious town hall came after the state Democratic Party advertised the event on social media, encouraging attendees to ask about health care cuts. POLICY RUNDOWN RSC TO HOLD 'RECONCILIATION 2.0' BRIEFING — The House Republican Study Committee will host GOP staff Wednesday for a discussion on crafting a second megabill, according to an invite seen by Benjamin. The briefing will be held in-person, and aides will hear from leaders of the Economic Policy Innovation Center, a conservative think tank, including executive vice president Brittany Madni, director of budget policy Matthew Dickerson and senior analyst in fiscal policy David Ditch. The RSC kicked off its 'Reconciliation 2.0' working group last month to help develop recommendations for another party-line domestic policy package, which Republicans want to consider this fall. TREASURY NOMS HELD UP OVER GREEN CREDITS — Sens. Chuck Grassley and John Curtis have placed holds on three of Trump's Treasury nominees in protest of the administration's effort to curtail renewable energy projects, Kelsey Tamborrino and Josh Siegel report. They include the nominations of Brian Morrisey for general counsel, Francis Brooke for assistant secretary and Jonathan McKernan for undersecretary. It marks a significant escalation in efforts by some Senate Republicans to ensure that the administration adheres to more flexible guidelines around solar and wind tax credits. Trump issued an executive order in July that appeared to make it more difficult to access those credits — something members of the House Freedom Caucus demanded in exchange for their votes on the megabill. The credits were established by the Democrats' 2022 climate law but have been benefiting many red districts and states. Concerned senators have so far been unable to schedule meetings with administration officials to clarify the consequences of Trump's latest actions. CBO'S FINAL MEGABILL SCORE — The Congressional Budget Office estimates the megabill will increase the federal deficit by $4.1 trillion, Jennifer Scholtes reports. The legislation would increase interest payments on the federal debt by $718 billion over a decade — a considerable increase from the $440 billion the nonpartisan congressional scorekeeper estimated back in June. Republicans, however, have largely dismissed CBO's findings surrounding the massive tax and spending package, arguing the scores don't adequately consider economic growth juiced from the permanent extension of Trump's expiring tax cuts. Best of POLITICO Pro and E&E: THE BEST OF THE REST Democrats Plan to Spend Tens of Millions of Dollars to Fund Hundreds of Content Creators, from Nick Gilbertson at Breitbart Mitch McConnell's legacy comes under fire in Kentucky race to replace him in the Senate, from Bruce Schreiner at AP THE CARRYOUT Welcome back to your Inside Congress hosts' favorite recess activity: sharing lawmakers' Capitol Hill food recommendations. Rep. Greg Stanton said he's a fan of Longworth's chicken Caesar salad — just make sure to add jalapeños. He said it's his go-to on a fly-out day. What's your favorite fly-out day meal? Email us: mmccarthy@ and crazor@ CAMPAIGN STOP MACE IS IN — Rep. Nancy Mace has officially entered the South Carolina gubernatorial race. She joins a crowded GOP primary that includes fellow Rep. Ralph Norman, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and state Attorney General Alan Wilson, the son of Rep. Joe Wilson. AND SO IS DEREK DOOLEY — Former college football coach Derek Dooley entered the crowded Republican contest in Georgia for the chance to challenge Sen. Jon Ossoff, Brakkton Booker reports. GOP Reps. Mike Collins and Buddy Carter are already in the race. Several Georgia Republicans told Brakkton that Dooley is not well known within the state's political circles and was recruited by Gov. Brian Kemp. The son of the famous University of Georgia coach Vince Dooley, Derek previously coached at the University of Tennessee and Louisiana Tech. MUSK-BACKED GROUP PROMOTES MEGABILL — Building America's Future, a dark-money group that has been supported by Elon Musk, is shelling out more than $1 million to promote White House wins including the megabill, Gregory Svirnovskiy reports. The group doesn't agree with Musk's characterization of the bill as 'a disgusting abomination.' The Tesla CEO promised to fund primary challenges to Republicans who supported it. Generra Peck, a senior adviser to the group, said 'we could not be more proud to stand with an administration and GOP Congress that is truly building a brighter future for America.' CAPITOL HILL INFLUENCE The Information Technology Industry Council is beefing up its lobbying team with a pair of former Republican Hill aides, POLITICO Influence reports. Stephanie Patel, a former staffer for the Senate Commerce Committee, and Noah Barger, former deputy chief of staff to Rep. Mike Bost, will be directors of government affairs for the trade association, whose members include Google, Apple, Amazon, Anthropic, Intel, Adobe, Microsoft and Meta. JOB BOARD The Center for Strategic and International Studies is launching a new cyber task force to be led by Josh Stiefel, a former professional staff member with the House Armed Services Committee. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ryan Wrasse of Thune's office (4-0) … former Rep. Mike Doyle … Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón … Blake Masters … Nick Raineri … Crooked Media's Matt Berg … Kristofer Eisenla … Boston Globe's Jim Puzzanghera … Meta's Monique Dorsainvil … Cicely Simpson … Molly Donlin of Regent Strategies … Caroline Ehlich … Mark Brunner of PsiQuantum … Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg of Public Private Strategies TRIVIA MONDAY'S ANSWER: Frank Gallegos correctly answered that Theodore Roosevelt was the first U.S. president to fly in a plane. TODAY'S QUESTION, from Mia: Who was the first president to fly in a plane while serving as president? The first person to correctly guess gets a mention in the next edition of Inside Congress. Send your answers to insidecongress@
