Governor's TAP Cuts Target New York's Most Financially Needy Students

ALBANY, NY (01/20/2010)(readMedia)-- The Association of Proprietary Colleges, which represents 26 accredited, degree-granting colleges throughout New York, urged the Legislature to reject the governor's proposed cuts to the state's vital Tuition Assistance Program.

Governor Paterson on Tuesday released his proposed 2010-11 Executive Budget, which included proposals to reduce all TAP awards by $75 and cut the maximum TAP award for all students in two-year degree programs from $5,000 to $4,000.

TAP funds are available to income-qualified students who would otherwise not be able to afford and attend college. The governor's actions mean college will not be an option for many of New York's neediest students, primarily those who have the academic qualifications to attend college, but not the financial means. Additionally, APC questioned the rationale for cutting funding for two-year students only. These students must be supported because they earn degrees and find quality jobs more quickly.

"The governor is saying 'no' to students who have the will and the grades for college, but lack the funds. TAP funds are investments in New Yorkers, helping the state's most needy students achieve the dream of attending college and launching a rewarding career," said Stephen Jerome, APC president and president of Monroe College in the Bronx and New Rochelle. "We know the governor agrees that an educated population is important to New York's future economic vitality. However, any reductions in TAP funding work against that belief. With TAP and a degree, students become earners and taxpayers, and therefore part of the state's economic solution. TAP is a smart investment in New York's future."

The Association of Proprietary Colleges represents 26 tax-paying, degree-granting colleges located on 39 campuses across New York. Proprietary colleges are one of the four sectors of higher education in New York. APC Colleges offer degrees in more than 60 associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs, including business, health care, hospitality management, graphic arts and technology.

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