U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton — “I want to make college affordable and make sure that we supply the resources students need. … I believe in you and I will fight for your issues as your president.” — via phone

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer — “I have labor in my corner. That’s how I got elected and I won’t forget it. … We can, we will, we must take back America.”

NYS Gov. David Paterson — “SUNY and CUNY saw budget cuts because higher education is connected to other state agencies … We made education a priority this year and we need to extend that same priority to higher education next year.”

NYS Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno — “The state budget is truly a victory for every student, teacher, parent and taxpayer in New York. It ensures that the state’s resources are sent directly into the classroom.” — via phone

NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver — “We have a moral obligation to provide our children with an education, regardless of politics or the economic cycle.”

NYS Attorney General Andrew Cuomo — “We need to pay professors (a decent wage) if we hope to attract and retain the best. … We need more full-time faculty in SUNY and CUNY. Period.”

NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli — “Support for education is fundamental to communities; don’t let up on the important role you play. … We have a shared interest in investing in education dollars. … I am an optimist. We’ll get through the tough times.”

NYS AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes — “NYSUT has the best political operation in this state and perhaps the country.”

– Karen L. Mattison