What's happening
This bill creates the John J. Marchi government studies scholarship program for CUNY students pursuing government-related degrees.
Why it matters
Targets CUNY students pursuing government-related degrees, providing substantial financial support that covers tuition, fees, and some living costs—potentially reducing reliance on student loans and increasing access for lower-income students.
Requires recipients to commit to at least four years of full-time academic coursework (minimum 12 credits per semester), incentivizing timely graduation and deeper engagement in government studies.
Includes strict accountability: if a recipient does not complete their government-related degree, the scholarship converts into a loan with interest, creating a strong incentive to finish the program and deterring misuse.
Limits annual scholarship funding to $2 million statewide, with individual awards capped at $20,000 per year, which may restrict the total number of recipients but ensures significant aid for those selected.
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Scholarships for CUNY Government Majors
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to higher education
- Referred to higher education
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Scholarships for CUNY Government Students
In Assembly Committee · Higher Education · Sponsor Matthew Titone
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
6184
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
May 11, 2017
Introduced by Sen. LANZA -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Higher Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to establishing the John J. Marchi government studies scholarship program
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 679-j to read as follows:
§ 679-j. Senator John J. Marchi government studies scholarship program. 1. Purpose. a. The president shall grant scholarship awards to students of the city university of New York who are enrolled in government or government related studies. Such awards shall be made on a competitive basis, as promulgated by the corporation through rules and regulations to applicants who are enrolling in an approved program to obtain a degree in government or government related studies from the city university of New York.
b. To be eligible for an award pursuant to this subdivision, applicants shall (1) be a resident of the state; (2) enroll in a degree program in government or government related studies; (3) attend a city university of New York school; and (4) comply with subdivisions three and five of section six hundred sixty-one of this part.
2. Award conditions and requirements. Scholarships shall be awarded on a competitive basis as promulgated by the corporation through rules and regulations to applicants whom the corporation has certified are eligible to receive such awards; and who agree to provide not less than twelve academic credit hours or its equivalent for the duration of at least four years upon completion of the degree program.
3. Amount. The corporation shall grant such awards within the amounts appropriated for such purpose and based on availability of funds according to a schedule to be determined by the corporation in an amount:
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD11018-02-7
S. 6184 2
a. Equal to the tuition charged to state resident students enrolled in a degree program with a major in government or government related studies; the average mandatory fees charged at the city university of New York, or the actual tuition and fees charged to the recipient, whichever is less; and the average non-tuition cost of attendance, as determined by the corporation and as approved by the director of the budget, for a student at the city university of New York or actual nontuition cost of attendance at such institution, whichever is less, provided that the scholarship shall not exceed an amount that is equal to the total cost of attendance determined for federal Title IV student financial aid purposes, less all other scholarships and grants provided by the state, other states, the federal government or other governments, and the amount of educational benefits paid under any program that would duplicate the purposes of this program, provided that any scholarships or grants provided to a recipient by the institution which are intended to fund any portion of the difference between the annual state award and the actual costs of attendance at any such institution shall not be considered to duplicate the purposes of this program.
b. The total cost of the Senator John J. Marchi government studies scholarship program shall not exceed an annual cost of two million dollars, and no annual award shall exceed twenty thousand dollars.
4. Other awards. Award recipients shall be eligible to apply for other awards.
5. Penalties for noncompliance. a. The corporation shall convert to a student loan the full amount of the award given pursuant to this section, plus interest, according to a schedule to be determined by the corporation if the student fails to receive a degree in government or government related studies.
b. The rate of interest charged for repayment of the student loan shall be determined pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the corporation.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to establishing the John J. Marchi government studies scholarship program
Purpose
To establish the John J. Marchi government studies scholarship program for CUNY students enrolled in government or government related studies.
Summary of provisions
Section one amends the education law by adding a new section 679-h, the John Marchi Government Studies Scholarship Program for full time students enrolled at the City University of New York (CUNY).
Justification
Senator John J. Marchi who passed away April 25, 2009 served in the State Senate for fifty years upon his retirement in 2006. This made him the longest serving legislator in the United States of America. It is only right to dedicate a scholarship fund in his name for students to honor his great accomplishments that contributed to a better quality of life for all residents of New York State. One of his greatest accom- plishments was his steadfast support for the College of Staten Island (CUNY), which contributed to making CSI one of the finest learning institutions in the City.
Senator Marchi's incredible service to Staten Island and New York is unforgettable. He dedicated his life to public service and did so with distinction, honor, class and intelligence. He was known as an effective advocate for New York, forceful in seeking federal loan guarantees and helping to craft the financial package that saved New York City from bankruptcy in the mid-1970'S. He was a true champion who always advanced the best interests of the people. Mayors of both political parties relied on Senator Marchi to represent the city's interests in Albany. As the legislative architect of our university system, as an advocate for equitable transportation and education funding and on so many other vital issues, he was a true and far-sighted statesman. While these are just a few of his many accomplishments, this legislation would be a well deserved tribute to honor a true public servant that did so many good things for New York State.
Legislative history
2017: S.6184 - Referred to Higher Education / A.7337 - Referred to High- er Education 2016: S.4618 - Referred to Higher Education / A.2944 - Referred to High- er Education 2015: S.4618 - Referred to Higher Education / A.2944 - Referred to High- er Education 2014: S.3605 Referred to Higher Education / A.3877 Referred to Higher Education 2012: S.4500 - Referred to Higher Education / A.5272 Referred to Higher Education 2011:S.4500- Referred to Higher Education/A.5272Referred to Higher Education 2010:S.5521- Referred to Higher Education/A.5657- Referred to Higher Education 2009:S.5521- Referred to Higher Education/A.8657- Referred to Higher Education
Fiscal implications
The scholarship shall not exceed an annual cost of $2 million.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.