New York Senate Bill S02565

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/25
• Refer: 1/21/25

Caption

Allows the higher education services corporation to consider an applicant's change in income due to the loss of employment in determining eligibility and award amount for the tuition assistance program.

Impact

The bill's provisions will directly impact the application process for TAP by allowing for more flexible income assessments that reflect current circumstances rather than solely relying on historical data. This change is expected to broaden the accessibility of financial aid for many students who might otherwise not qualify under the traditional income guidelines. By addressing the immediate financial challenges faced by applicants, the bill seeks to foster higher educational attainment among those affected by economic downturns.

Summary

Bill S02565 aims to amend the education law in New York, enabling the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) to consider significant changes in an applicant's income due to loss of employment when determining eligibility and the award amount for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). This adjustment is designed to help applicants who face financial hardships as a result of job loss, providing them with better access to educational funding at critical times.

Contention

There could be potential points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly regarding its implementation and the criteria for determining what constitutes a significant change in income. Opponents may express concerns about the potential for abuse of the system or the administrative burden placed on HESC to process and verify change requests, raising questions about how to balance accessibility with accountability. Proponents, however, would likely argue that the benefits of providing timely assistance far outweigh these concerns, especially in a fluctuating job market.