LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Tuition
Assistance Program

WHEREAS, Initiatives devoted to improving the quality of life for
others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and self-worth are
deserving of the highest praise and recognition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 40th Anniversary of the Tuition Assistance Program; and
WHEREAS, New York State continues to be the national leader in state
investment in higher education; and
WHEREAS, The Tuition Assistance Program or TAP is the centerpiece of
New York's student financial aid programs, and is one of the largest and
most comprehensive need-based grants for education in the country; and
WHEREAS, Since 1974, TAP has helped more than five million New Yorkers
achieve greater access to colleges and universities by reducing the
financial burden on students and families; and
WHEREAS, TAP has provided significant resources to students studying
full time in undergraduate programs; it has helped fulfill the aspi-
rations of many seeking to improve their lives, including many minority
students; one-quarter of all students enrolled, are Black or Hispanic;
and
WHEREAS, TAP represents New York State's commitment to the belief that
young men and women of every generation deserve an opportunity to
fulfill their dreams regardless of economic status, and that financial
assistance for education is one of the greatest investments the State
can make for its own future; and
WHEREAS, This vital investment in higher education has made New York
State stronger as an economy and as a society; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Tuition Assistance Program; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Tuition Assistance Program.