As lawmakers negotiate the state budget, one of the priorities is increased funding for CUNY.

A proposal known as, "The New Deal for CUNY" calls for a $1.7 billion dollar investment plan for the City University of New York, which would be used to eliminate tuition for in-state students, hire more faculty and renovate deteriorating infrastructure.

Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to improve learning and working conditions for students and staff, after what they see as decades of state disinvestment in higher education.

CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez joined Errol Louis on “Inside City Hall” on Thursday to discuss the push for more public funding, as well as other educational initiatives the school is launching.