Expands eligibility for the tuition assistance program by restoring eligibility to graduate students; makes optional semesters, quarters or terms eligible for awards.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A2354
SPONSOR: Epstein TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to expanding eligibility
for the tuition assistance program
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this legislation is to expand tuition assistance program
(TAP) eligibility to make it available year-round, including summer and
winter academic programs; and making TAP available for graduate
students.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends subdivision 2 of Section 667 of the Education Law to
provide TAP eligibility for graduate students which should not exceed a
total of eight years of combined undergraduate and graduate study. In
addition, an academic year includes any optional academic semester,
quarter or term and any award made for such optional academic semester.
Section 2 amends subdivision 3 of Section 667 of the Education Law to
provide TAP disbursements to graduate students.
Section 3 is the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
State and national experts in sectors like engineering, academia, and
public policy have benefitted from their access to graduate studies.
The cost of a graduate education, particularly for lower income
students, can eliminate their hope to pursue a degree beyond a bach-
elors. Through this bill, expanding TAP eligibility to make it available
year-round, including summer and winter academic programs, and making
TAP available for graduate students, will allow finances to not be
another hurdle for students looking to pursue a graduate degree. Let's
create more opportunities for aspiring scholars and professionals.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: A1094 / - died in higher education / DIED IN HIGHER EDUCATION
2021-2022: A8521 (Epstein) / S 6874 (Jackson) - Assembly Higher Educa-
tion / Senate Higher Education
STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date
on which it shall have become a law.
