Relates to tuition assistance program awards

1 Co-sponsor

• José Peralta

Title of bill

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

Purpose

To increase the maximum amount of a tuition assistance program (TAP) award and to increase the net taxable income eligibility.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Increases the maximum TAP award to six thousand four hundred seventy dollars phased in over the next two years and increases the maximum income eligibility from $80,000 to $100,000 and adjusts the TAP schedule accordingly for those who receive awards beginning in 2016-2017. Additionally, this section increases the income threshold for independent students and adjusts the independent TAP schedule according for those students first receiving aid in 2016-17.

Section 2. Sets for the effective date.

Existing law

Currently, the maximum TAP award is $5,165 and the maximum income eligibility is $80,000.

Justification

The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award amounts have not been increased in over a decade. During that time, college costs have increased dramatically. Tuition at the State University of New York (SUNY) has surpassed the maximum TAP award amount and tuition at the City University of New York (CUNY) will do the same in the near future. This bill would increase the maximum award amount to reflect the increases in public higher education tuition costs.

Additionally, this bill raises the net taxable income eligibility threshold to capture more New York State families. Many families throughout the State are struggling to pay for higher education. Students graduate with crushing student loan debt burdens.

This bill will alleviate some of that burden by providing an increased award to all eligible recipients and to allow for more middle class families to be eligible to receive an award.

Legislative history

2014 S.7795

Fiscal implications

No cost this year.

Effective date

This act shall take effect April 1, 2017, provided that the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized and directed to be made and completed by the president of the higher education services corporation on or before such effective date.