Relates to the establishment of the New York state promise program; appropriation

- Enrolled in courses offered at a community college in this state, determined to be required for the completion of a one-year curriculum for students who plan to transfer to another postsecondary institution of education, or an associate's degree or a program in career and technical education.

- New York resident for at least twelve months prior to enrolling in the community college courses.

- Attained their highest level of education in New York prior to receiving a high school diploma or GED within six months from the initial date of enrollment in the community college courses. -Earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better in high school or otherwise demonstrated an equivalent academic ability.

- Completed and submitted the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) for each academic year and accepted all state and federal aid grants available, if eligible.

- Has not completed more than a total of ninety credit hours at a post-secondary institution of education, or an associate's degree or a program in career and technical education.

A person remains eligible to receive a grant upon maintaining a 2.5 GPA or better; making satisfactory progress towards a one-year curriculum, associate's degree or a program in career and technical education; and enrolls in courses for a sufficient number of credit hours to be considered at least a half-time student each term for at least three terms in each consecutive year.

After the tuition is reduced by fifty dollars, to be paid by the person, and reduced by any amounts received by the person in state and federal aid grants, the person shall be eligible for a grant equaling at least the greater of one thousand dollars and the actual cost of tuition, but no more than the lesser of the average community college tuition cost in the state and the person's actual cost of tuition. The total amount in grants may not exceed ten million dollars per fiscal year.

The Department of Education shall adopt any rules and regulations necessary for the administration of this program, and submit an annual report on the impact of the program by December 31 of each even-numbered year.

Section 2 appropriates $10,000,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, to the Department of Education for the services and expenses of the New York Promise Program.

Section 3 provides this act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law and apply to courses enrolled in beginning in the 2016-2017 academic year. The amended bill clarifies that the program is not limited to that academic year.

Existing law

This is a new law.

Justification

According to the America's College Promise report, released by the White House in September 2015, states and communities across the country are making community college tuition-free. The report explains why this is important, noting by 2020 an estimated 35 percent of job openings will require at least a bachelor's degree and another 30 percent will require at least some college or an associate's degree. For many students, community colleges offer a feasible starting point to a four-year college degree. It is essential for New York to take charge in bringing down college costs and promoting equality in education.

This bill is modeled after the Oregon legislation, signed into law in July 2015.

Legislative history

New bill

Fiscal implications

$10,000,000.00 appropriation, or so much thereof as may be necessary

Local fiscal implications

None

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law and apply to courses enrolled in beginning in the 2016-2017 academic year.