LUPINACCI TAKES ON LEGISLATORS OVER FUNDING FOR EDUCATION

Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci (R,C,I,Ref. – South Huntington) joined the Assembly’s Higher Education Conference Committee yesterday to discuss education funding in this year’s budget. Each of the Assembly’s committees convenes to debate and discuss the Assembly version of the budget prior to going to the floor for a full vote. Lupinacci addressed his colleagues on the merits of the current budget proposal and the possibility of more viable alternatives.

Photo Above Assemblyman Lupinacci (left) addresses the joint conference committee yesterday. Lupinacci is joined by Republican colleague Nicole Malliotakis (R,C,I-Brooklyn/Staten Island) (right)

“Yesterday’s higher education budget hearing was an excellent opportunity to listen and participate in a constructive debate on the future of our state’s education funding,” said Lupinacci. “Education is an area that affects all of us and can be a hotly contested issue due to its reach into each of our lives. Unfortunately, the Assembly’s budget proposal is unsatisfactory in its effort to widen access to higher education for New York residents. While the governor’s plan for ‘free’ college is certainly admirable, it is financially inept and will only make life more difficult for low and middle income families.

“If we truly intend to make a college degree a reality for all New Yorkers then we must begin by implementing real solutions. This starts with modifying the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to keep up with the growing cost of tuition everywhere. These adjustments would be far more financially practical, while also providing an opportunity for millions of New Yorkers to earn a college degree. While this endeavor is no easy feat, I’m confident my colleagues and I can reach a decision that works for everyone.” 

Assemblyman Lupinacci’s plan includes a revamp of TAP that would increase the tuition-assistance minimum, while expanding the number of those eligible. The proposal would effectively eliminate the ‘TAP-gap,’ or the difference between the highest TAP award and the cost of yearly SUNY tuition. It would also expand TAP grants to New York students pursuing a graduate degree.  

The plan also includes the following:

• Increasing the household income cap threshold from $80,000 to $125,000;
• Increasing the maximum TAP award from $5,165 to $6,470;
• Providing an extra $500 to every TAP Award recipient; and

Providing an income tax deduction for both interest and principal student loan payments.