Establishes the "SNAP for students act" requiring the office of temporary and disability assistance to create informational materials to provide information regarding student eligibility for SNAP benefits and to provide digital versions of such materials to institutions of higher education in the state; requires institutions of higher education to notify students of their potential eligibility for SNAP benefits.
Impact
If enacted, this bill will amend the social services law in New York by introducing a new section dedicated to the dissemination of SNAP information specifically tailored for students. It will require institutions of higher education to engage in annual outreach efforts, thereby fostering a greater awareness of food assistance programs and potentially increasing participation in SNAP among eligible students. The annual reports generated will help evaluate the effectiveness of these outreach efforts, providing essential data on applications, eligibility determinations, and benefit distribution.
Summary
Bill S08347, titled the 'SNAP for Students Act,' aims to address food insecurity among college students in New York by requiring the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to develop and distribute informational materials regarding student eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The act mandates that educational institutions inform their students about their potential eligibility, ensuring that individuals enrolled at least half-time in higher education are made aware of available assistance.
Conclusion
Overall, S08347 seeks to create a structured approach to inform students about vital food assistance programs, addressing a significant social issue within higher education. The successful implementation of this act could pave the way for other measures that promote economic well-being for students in New York, ultimately enhancing their educational experiences and outcomes.
Contention
Key points of contention surrounding this bill may include concerns over accessibility and the adequacy of outreach strategies. Critics might argue that merely providing information is not sufficient if students are still unable to navigate the application process or if there are barriers to accessing benefits. Supporters, however, advocate for the bill as a necessary step to combat rising food insecurity levels among students, particularly in light of increasing tuition costs and living expenses.
Same As
Establishes the "SNAP for students act" requiring the office of temporary and disability assistance to create informational materials to provide information regarding student eligibility for SNAP benefits and to provide digital versions of such materials to institutions of higher education in the state; requires institutions of higher education to notify students of their potential eligibility for SNAP benefits.
Reduces the cost of textbooks and course materials for students of institutions of higher education by requiring every institution of higher education to adopt policies that allow the use of innovative pricing techniques and payment options for textbooks, supplemental materials, and other course materials or textbooks.
Establishes a state SNAP minimum benefit program to provide a minimum amount of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits that is higher than the amount of federal SNAP benefits.
Establishes a state SNAP minimum benefit program to provide a minimum amount of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits that is higher than the amount of federal SNAP benefits.
Relates to providing access to laptops for high school and higher education students and textbooks for higher education students; provides access to laptops and textbooks without charge.
Relates to providing access to laptops for high school and higher education students and textbooks for higher education students; provides access to laptops and textbooks without charge.
Permits students of SUNY, CUNY, or state-funded institutions of higher education to observe certain holidays without facing academic repercussions, provided they submit written notice of their intention to observe such holidays.
Requires that the same educational requirements shall apply for students who require nursing services as for general education students; provides that nursing services may be delivered to students with disabilities through electronic communication or a virtual or online platform or in the home of the student.
Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.