The following statement can be attributed to Donna Stelling-Gurnett, Association of Private Colleges President.

“From further expanding eligibility for the state Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to reinvesting in Graduate TAP, the Assembly One-House proposal would open doors for thousands more New Yorkers who may not have otherwise been able to pursue their postsecondary or graduate careers.

“Additionally, the Senate’s One-House proposal reimagines the state’s Tuition Assistance Program to better support students with intellectual disabilities, while also removing the distinction between Independent and Dependent students. These changes would help to ensure more students are equitably supported as they pursue the institution of their choice.

“We were pleased to see that the two houses acknowledged the need to address the forthcoming changes to the federal student loan program and encourage the Senate to join the Assembly in advancing the New York Reinvests in Student Educational Supports program.

“Thank you to our Higher Education Committee Chairs Senator Stavisky and Assemblymember Hyndman for championing investments that will significantly improve the state’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). We look forward to working together in the coming weeks to advance a final budget that makes higher education more accessible and affordable for students across New York State.”