Republican members of the New York Assembly unveiled a comprehensive bill package yesterday which they say would help state residents afford the cost of college and also set up a tax deduction for those paying back student loans. The proposal expands the existing Tuition Assistance Program by making more households eligible, increasing the maximum award, and making TAP available to graduate students. The “Affordable College for All” initiative would also offer a broad tax deduction to New Yorkers paying back student loans. The Republicans say the governor’s plan to offer free tuition would cost too much, not help those in private schools, and fail to lessen the burden on those struggling to pay back loans. The legislation will now be considered by the full Assembly.
