The State Assembly Minority Conference has unveiled a comprehensive bill package that would provide broad-based relief for the cost of college tuition.

The Affordable College for All initiative would modernize the state's existing Tuition Assistance Program, expand the number of eligible students, increase the amount of funding available and assist recent graduates currently paying student loans.

Specific measures proposed by the Assembly Minority Conference include:

·         Increasing the TAP household income threshold from $80,000 to $125,000;

·         Increasing the maximum TAP award from $5,165 to $6,470 over five years;

·         Providing an increase of $500 to every TAP award recipient;

·         Making graduate students eligible to receive TAP awards; and

It would also provide an income tax deduction to those paying on student loans for both principal and interest amounts.

Assemblyman Marc Butler says the proposal would help families with children attending any college in the state -- not just a select few.

Governor Andrew Cuomo is proposing free tuition to all SUNY and CUNY schools for families making less that $125,000 a year.  Cuomo's proposal is expected to cost taxpayers $163 million a year.

 

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