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- Referred to higher education
- Referred to higher education
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Establishes the police officer and firefighter loan forgiveness program
In Assembly Committee · Education · Sponsor Crystal Peoples-Stokes
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to establishing the police officer and firefighter loan forgiveness program
Purpose
This legislation provides certain municipalities with a local law option to establish a college loan forgiveness program that is intended to encourage residency by police officers and firefighters within these municipalities.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1 amends the education law by establishing a police officer and firefighter loan forgiveness program for police officers and firefighters who reside within a city with a population between two hundred ninety thousand and one million, provided that the city has adopted a local law authorizing a police officer and firefighter residency education loan forgiveness initiative. Awards under this program provide up to $2,000 per year, for up to six years for loans incurred while attending Buffalo State College, University of Buffalo or Erie Community College.
Justification
The City of Buffalo is the second largest City in New York State and for years has experienced a dwindling population and tax base. Police and Firefighters are the highest paid municipal employees. Their pay comes from property tax revenue. Police Officers and Firefighters living outside Buffalo impact Buffalo's ability to receive a return on its investment, which has been a factor in the City of Buffalo laying off police officers and closing firehouses. By establishing the college loan forgiveness program it will encourage residency of Police Officers and Firefighters in the City of Buffalo, will make Buffalo safer, spur its population and bolster its tax base.
Prior legislative history
S.4467/A.8682 of 2003-2004, A.3925 in 2007/2008
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
Costs yet to be determined.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.