New York is home to two of the largest state university systems in the entire country. This widespread access to higher education is one of the many things that makes this state so special. In recent years, however, the cost of college has continued to rise and has left middle-class citizens struggling to keep pace. This week, my conference presented a plan to help middle-class families’ dreams of higher education for their children more of a reality.

This proposed plan is made up of several components aimed at lowering the amount of debt associated with higher education. One significant point is the establishment of the Community College Merit and Mobility Scholarship Program. Students who graduate within the top 20 percent of their high school class would be provided with a $1,000 yearly scholarship to attend a New York State Community College. Community Colleges are great options for students still unsure about which field of study to enter. It is a way to stay on track toward earning a degree while completing basic entry-level courses.

Another significant point of this plan is the proposed creation of a “Learn to Work” program. This program would be either a one- or two-year program made available to eleventh or twelfth graders that combines in-class learning as well as on-the-job training in a career field of choice. After completion of this program, students would either earn an Enhanced Regional Professional Degree, or if they decide to change career choice, would receive a minimum of 15 credit hours at any SUNY or CUNY institution. This component also establishes a $1,500 tax credit per apprentice for businesses that take part in the “Learn to Work”. This creates an opportunity for our students to become familiar with some of the business owners located throughout the community.

Some of the other components proposed in this plan include creating a student loan tax deduction, and petitions the federal government for greater refinancing options. Finally, our plan would increase transparency at these institutions. Incoming students and their parents want to see how financially beneficial their college of choice is, from average post-degree earnings broken down by program of study to student loan default rates, and even the percent of students who received the degree level initially sought. We want to ensure that our students and their families are able to make the most informed choice possible when deciding on a higher education institution.

I am proud that my conference has developed and proposed this plan because middle-class families have enough on their plates. It is our duty as legislators to use our platform to assist them in creating a brighter future for their children.

I welcome your thoughts on college affordability in our state or any other legislative matter. Please contact me by emailing blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us or calling my office at 493-3909.