New York Governor Wants to Reduce Degree Regulations

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Senate Republicans want to reduce state oversight of offerings at the state's public and private colleges, Capital reports.

The state's strong Education Department has authority over what degree programs public and -- most notably -- private colleges offer. As part of negotiations over the state budget, Cuomo proposed (and the Republican-led State Senate embraced) eliminating the department's review process, giving accredited institutions more control over their own offerings.

Supporters of the change say less oversight would allow colleges to adapt to quickly changing market conditions. Opponents, including Democrats in the state Assembly, argue that reducing regulations could reduce quality.