This week the New York state budget process is picking up speed, and legislators are making determinations about which programs to restore, where to add additional funding, and what to cut.
Once again, the fate of TAP and HEOP funding is at hand, and although they do not face deep cuts this year, they desperately need to be raised to compensate for the growing costs of tuition. Now is the time to expand student aid programs and opportunities for New York's college students!
This year alone, 335,000 students are relying on New York State's, Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to pay for college. Even if you are not from NY, think how many of your friends are. The TAP maximum award hasn't been raised in seven years for undergraduate students. That isn't quite in line with the rates our tuition here at IC has been going up. If we don't push for an increase, it's going to be harder and harder for students who want and deserve to attend Ithaca College to have the support they need to do so.
The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities makes advocating for student aid very easy. CICU's e-advocacy system can be found at http://www.capwiz.com/cicu/home/ Use this link to communicate with Governor Spitzer, legislative leaders, members of the Higher Education Committees, and your elected representatives how TAP and other student aid programs make a difference for you and those you know.
This is an important fight that IC is fighting with us. Please take some time this week to share your thoughts with the NY government for the sake of all current and future Ithaca College students!!
Thanks everybody!
Zack Ford
Student Body President
