STATE'S LARGEST STUDENT GROUP URGES STATE LEGISLATORS TO REJECT GOVERNOR'S PLAN

NYPIRG Board of Directors Chairperson, Camille Rivera, a student from Queens College, responded to Governor Pataki's proposal to cut TAP funding by $155 million and cap awards at 66%:

"The Governor is balancing his budget on the backs of college students, by failing to increase funding for SUNY and CUNY, failing to restore last year's cuts to opportunity programs and childcare, and proposing an absurd cut to the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).

"The TAP cut is a tuition hike for the state's poorest students, who will be required to pay an additional $1,000 or more each year for their higher education. Students need financial aid to help pay for college when they are attending college, not after they graduate.

"NYPIRG urges the Legislature to reject this indefensible proposal."

NYPIRG also released the following data on TAP:

The Governor has proposed that the state withhold one-third of all Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grants and only release those funds when a student graduates. The Governor argues that this will enhance student "performance." The Governor's plan will only make it harder for needy students to afford college and will force them to take out loans to fill the gap left in their TAP award under the Governor's plan. It is a plan that should be opposed.

The Governor's plan is not only unfair to students; it ignores the reality that TAP is already tied to student performance. In reality, the Governor's plan is just a fiscal gimmick to save the state money now and pay its obligations later. Here is the background on the TAP's performance standards already in place.

Current performance standards

TAP-eligible students can only receive support for a fixed number of years. Undergraduate students enrolled in four-year programs may receive up to four years of assistance for full-time study, and up to five years of assistance in an approved, specialized program (such as remediation).

Students must maintain good grades. Students must maintain, at least, a cumulative "C" average after receipt of two annual payments. In addition, students must be matriculated in an approved program of study and be in good academic standing.

TAP-eligible students must maintain full-time status. Students must study full time (at least 12 credits per semester) at an approved post-secondary institution in New York State.

Other requirements. In order to receive TAP, students must not be in default on a student loan guaranteed by HESC and not be in default on any repayment of State awards.

TAP is an entitlement program. Students must meet income eligibility limitations in order to receive aid:
Undergraduate TAP:
Minimum award level: $425, but will increase to $500 for 2002-03
Maximum award level: $5,000
Income eligibility ceiling: $80,000

Graduate TAP:
Minimum award level: $75
Maximum award level: $550
Income eligibility ceiling: $20,000

Source: Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)

Compiled by the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG).

For more information contact Miriam Kramer

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