By Assemblyman Al Stirpe

Both students and parents know that college tuition has become ridiculously expensive. For far too many New Yorkers, the cost can be a barrier that unfairly gets in the way of a college degree. That’s why I’ve been committed to making college more affordable for working families so that all students have the opportunity to reap the benefits of higher education.

Though colleges only recently finished up their spring semesters, the deadline to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, for the upcoming academic year is June 30, just a few short weeks away. Submitting a FAFSA is necessary if you wish to apply for aid scholarships, grants or low-interest loans, and it’s the first step in applying for aid at the state level through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). The TAP deadline is also June 30. For more information on both the federal and state tuition aid programs, visit fafsa.ed.gov and hesc.ny.gov.

During this year’s state budget process, I fought against an extension of a SUNY plan that would have paved the way for five more years of tuition increases. Instead, I helped freeze tuition for the upcoming year and boosted funding for SUNY schools by $18 million in this year’s budget.

I also co-sponsored the Tuition-Free NY bill that would make tuition at SUNY and CUNY schools free for New York students who complete a community service requirement each year and commit to living and working in state after graduation (A.5098-A). This bill would help more students get a college degree and give them an incentive to stay here in New York and boost our state’s economy.

Our young people are New York’s future, and I will continue to do everything I can to ensure they are prepared to excel in today’s highly competitive economy.

If you have questions or concerns on this or any other community issue, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can reach me by phone at 452-1115 or by email at [email protected].