Senator Golden Fights To Keep College Costs Down For New York Families

Brooklyn- Senator Martin J. Golden, (R-C, Brooklyn), a member of the Senate Education Committee, is announcing his efforts to help New York’s students and families afford the cost of a college education. As negotiations continue on a new state budget, Senator Golden is strongly advocating for investments in New York’s colleges and universities as well as measures that help individuals achieve their dream of a college education.

"With the costs of higher education on the rise, more and more people are finding it difficult to pursue their educational goals. I am committed to negotiating a budget that improves and expands accessibility and affordability of a college education," said Senator Marty Golden.

The Senate budget proposal restores tens of millions of dollars in support for SUNY, CUNY, community colleges, and independent colleges and universities. The plan also restores the Executive’s proposed cut of $50 per student base aid for community colleges and $3.6 million in aid for independent colleges and universities.

Senator Golden is a cosponsor of the creation of the Student Relief Initiative for Valued Education (STRIVE), an initiative that would provide significant financial support to cover tuition and fees for students who attend a college or university in New York State. The measure would help families whose annual net taxable income is less than $150,000 by capping their contribution for tuition and fees at 10 percent of their net taxable income.

"The STRIVE program would be an worthwhile addition for New York’s families because it allows students who would receive little, if any, state and federal college aid the opportunity to achieve their educational goals," said Senator Golden. "I will continue to support initiatives that help make a college education more affordable and accessible to a greater number of New Yorkers. The costs are becoming overwhelmingly for families, and students are becoming saddled with long and expensive loans."

The STRIVE aid is awarded to students after federal Pell Grants and TAP have been applied to the student. Students who receive STRIVE awards must reside in New York State for at least five yars.