Lance's Corner

Governor Hochul Launches New York’s Free Community College Program for In-Demand Fields, Including Dental Hygiene

Jul 1, 2025

Per the notice below, Governor Hochul is launching the free community college program in New York State, which includes dental hygiene as an eligible field of study.

Governor Hochul Launches New York’s Free Community College Program for In-Demand Fields

Program Covers Tuition, Books and Fees for Adult New Yorkers Ages 25-55; Expands Access to Higher Education and Career Mobility to Millions of Adult Learners

Governor Secured Free Community College Program in FY26 Enacted Budget as Part of Fight To Lower Costs for New Yorkers

Helps Those Without a Prior Degree Receive One, Building a Stronger Workforce for the Future

SUNY and CUNY Reconnect Applications Now Open, Link To Apply Available for SUNY Here and CUNY Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today launched New York’s free community college program for SUNY and CUNY students as part of her fight to lower costs for New Yorkers and make education more affordable.  Starting this fall through SUNY and CUNY Reconnect, New York State will cover tuition, fees, books, and supplies for community college students ages 25-55 pursuing select associate degrees in high-demand occupations.

“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,” Governor Hochul said.  “I’m fighting to make education more affordable and accessible, and the Reconnect program will continue to pave the way forward for students as they enter our State’s future workforce.”

As part of Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State address, free community college for adults in high-demand fields builds on her legacy of ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to a world-class and affordable education.  For the four million working-age adults in New York who do not already have a college degree or credential, the free community college program for adult students provides a valuable education at SUNY and CUNY campuses, with tuition, fees, books, and supplies all covered after applicable financial aid.  In addition, eligible students will have access to advising and support.  New York State has stepped up as a national leader in many emerging industries such as semiconductor and advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and AI.  As a result of these investments, many of the new jobs available in New York will require workers with a degree or credential to fill these specialized positions.  The SUNY and CUNY Reconnect programs will help connect eligible New Yorkers to these job opportunities.  In order to be eligible for the program, students will enroll in high-demand fields including:

  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Engineering
  • Technology
  • Nursing and allied health fields
  • Green and renewable energy
  • Pathways to teaching in shortage areas

In order to ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed, the program includes funding for SUNY and CUNY to support retention through wrap-around supports such as academic advising and student success coaching.  In addition, it also includes funding to support marketing for effective outreach for the program.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “The Governor’s free community college initiative will help empower eligible New Yorkers to achieve their full potential and move our state economy forward.  By implementing SUNY Reconnect, campuses throughout New York have already seen promising interest and enthusiasm from adult learner students ready to seize this opportunity.  We appreciate the strong support from Governor Hochul and the State Legislature to ensure New Yorkers receive the world-class education and job training opportunities they deserve, on the path to upward mobility and career advancement.”

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “Talent is abundant across our city—but access to opportunity must be intentional and inclusive.  I’m grateful to Gov. Hochul and the state legislature for addressing this challenge by removing financial barriers for eligible adults to earn associate degrees in high-demand fields at CUNY’s community colleges.”

State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “Everyone's educational journey is different.  Sometimes the path has hurdles and challenges.  This initiative will enable students between the ages of 25 to 55 to complete their journey.  It also expands workforce development in high demand fields.  As a result, everyone benefits.”

State Senator Sean Ryan said, “SUNY Reconnect is a creative way to promote economic development while empowering more New Yorkers to pursue careers in fields with plenty of stable, good-paying jobs.  This program builds on our public universities' history of helping build New York's middle class and will create the highly skilled workforce needed to position New York as a leader in emerging industries.”

Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, “Developing a workforce in these high demand fields is an essential part of the equation when it comes to driving New York’s advanced manufacturing and semiconductor industries forward.  By providing sweeping supports for adult students, this program has the potential to change lives.  It removes economic barriers and makes these specialized positions accessible to those aspiring to start a career.  It not only empowers SUNY and CUNY students to realize their potential, but it also helps construct a future-ready workforce that will support New York’s emerging economic leadership in a technology-driven world.”

Assemblymember Michaelle Solages said, “For far too long, the cost of higher education has blocked working-class New Yorkers from reaching their full potential.  That is why the free SUNY and CUNY community college program is so transformative.  It will not only prepare New Yorkers for high-demand careers but also attract new employers and fuel economic growth across the state.  I fully support this initiative and look forward to seeing it change lives, strengthen families, and build a more inclusive and resilient New York.”

Assemblymember Chantel Jackson said, “This is a game-changer for New Yorkers who thought higher education was out of reach.  By removing financial barriers and investing in our adult learners, Governor Hochul is helping to build a stronger, more inclusive workforce.  I’m proud to support the SUNY and CUNY Reconnect initiative, which will open doors for thousands of students across our state and create real pathways to economic mobility.”

New York City Council Member Eric Dinowitz said, “While our federal government continues to divest from the people and institutions that make our country thrive, Governor Hochul is showing what real leadership looks like—making smart, meaningful investments in New York’s future.  This bold initiative removes financial barriers for thousands of adult learners, connects them to high-demand careers, and strengthens our workforce in critical sectors, creating a stronger New York.  As a proud CUNY and SUNY graduate and chair of the NYC City Council’s Committee on Higher Education, I applaud the Governor for expanding access to opportunity and continuing to build pathways to economic mobility for working New Yorkers.”

Governor Hochul’s program will significantly expand the reach and impact of CUNY Reconnect, which launched in 2022.  As of fall 2024, CUNY Reconnect has supported over 40,000 New Yorkers in their efforts to return to college.  Drawing from the proven strategies of outreach, re-enrollment, and support services that made Reconnect successful, the governor’s program expands this work by providing tuition-free pathways specifically aligned with labor market needs.  SUNY Reconnect, launching in fall 2025, will help empower New Yorkers and serve as a powerful engine of upward mobility for hard-working adults.  Through SUNY Reconnect, community colleges will hold information sessions this summer to assist all who are interested in eligible degree programs.  Information can also be found here.

USDOL Issues Comprehensive Employer Guidance on Long COVID

The United States Department of Labor (USDOL) has issued a comprehensive set of resources that can be accessed below for employers on dealing with Long COVID.

Supporting Employees with Long COVID: A Guide for Employers

The “Supporting Employees with Long COVID” guide from the USDOL-funded Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) and Job Accommodation Network (JAN) addresses the basics of Long COVID, including its intersection with mental health, and common workplace supports for different symptoms.  It also explores employers’ responsibilities to provide reasonable accommodations and answers frequently asked questions about Long COVID and employment, including inquiries related to telework and leave.

Download the guide

Accommodation and Compliance: Long COVID

The Long COVID Accommodation and Compliance webpage from the USDOL-funded Job Accommodation Network (JAN) helps employers and employees understand strategies for supporting workers with Long COVID.  Topics include Long COVID in the context of disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), specific accommodation ideas based on limitations or work-related functions, common situations and solutions, and questions to consider when identifying effective accommodations for employees with Long COVID.  Find this and other Long COVID resources from JAN, below:

Long COVID, Disability and Underserved Communities: Recommendations for Employers

The research-to-practice brief “Long COVID, Disability and Underserved Communities” synthesizes an extensive review of documents, literature and data sources, conducted by the USDOL-funded Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) on the impact of Long COVID on employment, with a focus on demographic differences.  It also outlines recommended actions organizations can take to create a supportive and inclusive workplace culture for people with Long COVID, especially those with disabilities who belong to other historically underserved groups.

Read the brief

Long COVID and Disability Accommodations in the Workplace

The policy brief “Long COVID and Disability Accommodations in the Workplace” explores Long COVID’s impact on the workforce and provides examples of policy actions different states are taking to help affected people remain at work or return when ready.  It was developed by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) as part of its involvement in USDOL’s State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED) initiative.

Download the policy brief

Understanding and Addressing the Workplace Challenges Related to Long COVID

The report “Understanding and Addressing the Workplace Challenges Related to Long COVID” summarizes key themes and takeaways from an ePolicyWorks national online dialogue through which members of the public were invited to share their experiences and insights regarding workplace challenges posed by Long COVID.  The dialogue took place during summer 2022 and was hosted by USDOL and its agencies in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Surgeon General.

Download the report

Working with Long COVID

The USDOL-published “Working with Long COVID” fact sheet shares strategies for supporting workers with Long COVID, including accommodations for common symptoms and resources for further guidance and assistance with specific situations.

Download the fact sheet

COVID-19: Long-Term Symptoms

This USDOL motion graphic informs workers with Long COVID that they may be entitled to temporary or long-term supports to help them stay on the job or return to work when ready, and shares where they can find related assistance.

Watch the motion graphic

A Personal Story of Long COVID and Disability Disclosure

In the podcast “A Personal Story of Long COVID and Disability Disclosure,” Pam Bingham, senior program manager for Intuit’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Tech team, shares her personal experience of navigating Long COVID symptoms at work.  The segment was produced by the USDOL-funded Partnership on Employment and Accessible Technology (PEAT) as part of its ongoing “Future of Work” podcast series.

Listen to the podcast

HHS OIG Issues Annual Report on State MFCUs

Per the notice below, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued its annual report on the performance of state Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs).

Medicaid Fraud Control Units Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report (OEI-09-24-00200) 

Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs) investigate and prosecute Medicaid provider fraud and patient abuse or neglect. OIG is the Federal agency that oversees and annually approves federal funding for MFCUs through a recertification process. This new report analyzed the statistical data on annual case outcomes—such as convictions, civil settlements and judgments, and recoveries—that the 53 MFCUs submitted for Fiscal Year 2023.  New York data is as follows:

Outcomes

  • Investigations1 - 556
  • Indicted/Charged - 9
  • Convictions - 8
  • Civil Settlements/Judgments - 28
  • Recoveries2 - $73,204,518

Resources

  • MFCU Expenditures3 - $55,964,293
  • Staff on Board4 - 257

1Investigations are defined as the total number of open investigations at the end of the fiscal year.

2Recoveries are defined as the amount of money that defendants are required to pay as a result of a settlement, judgment, or prefiling settlement in criminal and civil cases and may not reflect actual collections.  Recoveries may involve cases that include participation by other Federal and State agencies.

3MFCU and Medicaid Expenditures include both State and Federal expenditures.

4Staff on Board is defined as the total number of staff employed by the Unit at the end of the fiscal year.

Read the Full Report

View the Statistical Chart

Engage with the Interactive Map

GAO Issues Report on Medicaid Managed Care Service Denials and Appeal Outcomes

The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued a report on federal use of state data on Medicaid managed care service denials and appeal outcomes.  GAO found that federal oversight is limited because it doesn't require states to report on Medicaid managed care service denials or appeal outcomes and there has not been much progress on plans to analyze and make the data publicly available.  To read the GAO report on federal use of state data on Medicaid managed care service denials and appeal outcomes, use the first link below.  To read GAO highlights of the report on federal use of state data on Medicaid managed care service denials and appeal outcomes, use the second link below.
https://www.gao.gov/assets/d24106627.pdf  (GAO report on federal use of state data on Medicaid managed care service denials and appeal outcomes)
https://www.gao.gov/assets/d24106627_high.pdf  (GAO highlights on federal use of state data on Medicaid managed care service denials and appeal outcomes)

CMS Issues Latest Medicare Regulatory Activities Update

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued its latest update on its regulatory activities in the Medicare program.  While dentistry is only minimally connected to the Medicare program, Medicare drives the majority of health care policies and insurance reimbursement policies throughout the country.  Therefore, it always pays to keep a close eye on what CMS is doing in Medicare.  To read the latest CMS update on its regulatory activities in Medicare, use the link below.
https://www.cms.gov/training-education/medicare-learning-network/newsletter/2024-03-14-mlnc