State Relations Update - July 22, 2009

Governor Vetoes TAP Adjustment - The Governor today issued Veto 24 on A.8864 (Canestrari) which would have assisted students receiving TAP awards by allowing for an adjustment to such awards to accurately reflect a change in financial status under certain circumstances.

"I continue to fully support programs to assist students in paying  for college, especially initiatives that increase one's ability to stay in school during difficult financial circumstances. Nonetheless, I am still constrained to veto this bill due to the additional costs this  policy places on the State's financial plan. This bill would increase costs to the State's student loan program that simply cannot be borne at this fiscally precarious  time.  Further, any needed revisions to  the  TAP  rate-setting methodology should be developed within the context of an overall budget review.  I would be happy to discuss these issues with the Legislature as part of budget discussions next year. But I cannot allow enactment of legislation  with a negative fiscal impact."
-- Governor Paterson

Complete Update of Significant Higher Education Legislation