Relates to tuition assistance program awards

1 Co-sponsor

• Robert Ortt

Title of bill

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

Purpose

To raise the net taxable income eligible for Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) awards from $80,000 to $100,000, raise the minimum TAP award to $1,000 and adjust the formula for awards.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends subparagraph (ii) of paragraph a of subdivision 3 of section 667 of the education law to increase the net taxable income threshold from $80,000 to $100,000. This also redefines the TAP schedule so the lowest minimum TAP award will be $1,000. This provision would also reform the TAP schedule by creating new brackets for incomes and provide for a defined TAP award amount for each income bracket.

Section 2 sets forth the effective date.

Justification

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.

The bill also increased the minimum TAP award amount from $500 to $1,000 to alleviate some of that burden. By providing an increased award to all eligible recipients, this will allow for more middle class families to be eligible to receive an award.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

$87.4 million.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to all awards commencing with the 2016-17 academic year.