Relates to establishing the Barbara Clark leaders of tomorrow scholarship

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to establishing the Barbara Clark leaders of tomorrow scholarship

Purpose

To ensure that lottery revenue is funding higher education at a rate that keeps pace with the growing revenue.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 amends the education law by adding section 669-h. Section 1 of section 669-h requires the funding and establishment of the Barbara Clark Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship. The section continues to outline the meanings of "good academic standing", "Pursuit of program", and "Satisfactory Academic Progress" (3.0 or higher grade point average on a 4.0 grading scale). If two or more students qualify for the award financial need may be considered to make a final decision.

Section 2 of section 669-h explains the purpose of granting New York State high school graduates scholarship awards.

Section 3 of section 669-h of determines the eligibility for the award. There are three different categories: citizenship or eligible noncitizen, be a legal resident of New York State, have graduated from a New York state high school in June of academic year for which the scholarship is awarded. Section 4 gives provisions for maintaining eligibility.

Sections 5 and 6 of Section 669-h give specific provisions relating to the waiver process for eligible students who failed to maintain the required B-average regarding the loss or reinstatement of the scholarship.

Sections 7 and 8 of Section 669-h give scholarship amount and source of funding.

Section 2 gives effective date.

Justification

With the growing cost of student debt averaging at $25,000 reflecting the growing cost of higher education, we can see that our high school graduates are in need of financial assistance. Today more than ever it is vital to minimize the cost of education, so that tomorrow's New York State workforce are using their hard earned dollars to participate in the economy, as opposed to paying back large amounts of student debt.

Originally the New York State Lottery was established in order to fund our states education. As reflected in the New York State Gaming Commission's lottery division year-end reviewed for Fiscal Year 2014-2015, we can see that as sales and net wins increase the amount of school aid does not increase at a proportional rate. This distribution of lottery funds in unacceptable for several reason (1) the purpose of the lottery fund is first and primarily to fund education, not to promote gambling (2) our New York State higher education students need funding.

Legislative history

New Bill

Fiscal implications

To be determined

Effective date

The act shall take effect 120 days after enactment.