Skip to content
S7249Senate2013-2014 SessionSame asA9555

Permits the commissioner of education to include graduate programs as programs eligible for approval under the state tuition assistance program

Sponsor Andrew J. LanzaSD-24+3 co-sponsorsAffects Education
Status
In Senate Committee
Higher Education
Impact
Pending
Passage
Pending

Bill progress

Step 2 of 7

In committee · Higher Education

What's happening

Writing a plain-English summary… Track this bill to get it by email.

Why it matters

The daily · weekday mornings

Albany, before your first meeting.

Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.

Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.

Who cares

Headline styles

Sponsors

Primary sponsor
Andrew J. Lanza

Senator · Senate District 24

Chair, Cities

History

  1. Referred to higher education

Companion bill

Full text

The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.

Sponsor's memo

BILL NUMBER:S7249

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to tuition assistance program awards

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill will include graduate programs as eligible for approval under the state tuition assistance program, making a restoration to the program eliminated in 2010.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 amends Section 663 subdivision 3 paragraph a of the education law, as amended by Chapter 58 of the laws of 2011, Section 4 part J.

Section 2 amends Section 663 subdivision 3 paragraph b sub-paragraph 1's opening paragraph of the education law, as amended by Chapter 58 of the laws of 2011, section 5 part J.

Section 3 amends section 663 subdivision 3 paragraph d of the education law, as amended by Chapter 58 of the laws of 2011, section 6 part J.

Section 4 amends section 667 subdivisions 1 and 2 of the education law, as amended by Chapter 622 of the laws of 2008 subdivision 1, and Chapter 58 of the laws of 2011, subdivision 2 section one part J.

Section 5 gives the effective date

Justification

In 2010, the state legislature eliminated the tuition assistance program for all graduate degree programs. As a result, New York State's graduate students no longer or eligible or have access to the State's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) making it increasingly difficult for students to further their education and obtain a graduate degree.

Many jobs which formerly required only a bachelor's degree are now calling for a master's degree or higher. For many in this situation, the cost of graduate school is simply too expensive them to earn a higher degree, even while working and attending school part-time. This bill would provide these students with access to tuition assistance needed to afford graduate school and make them more competitive in today's job market.

This bill will also lead to a more educated New York and help fulfill the goal of filling more job opportunities in this state with capable New Yorkers.

Prior legislative history

None.

Fiscal implications

Approximately $2 to $3 million annually.

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.