·
Record increases for education
o
The 2008-09 budget contained a record-high total of aid for
Nassau County public schools, with over $485 million going to
schools in Senator Hannon’s District.
o
Programs state aid continues to fund are:
Teacher Support Aid and Teacher Centers, Mentor-Intern Program,
Universal Pre-K and full-day kindergarten programs.
Realistic approach to balancing education with protecting
the real property tax payer. Spending cap with assumption
of certain costs and incentives to save...taking the actual
cost pressure off the taxpayer
·
Ensuring our heroes can afford higher education: Volunteer
Recruitment Service Scholarship
o
Volunteer emergency workers and/or firefighters will be eligible
for free tuition to SUNY schools as long as they continue to
volunteer and maintain a “C” average.
·
Making college affordable
o
College Choice:
Recent legislation promoted by Senator Hannon ensures that
college tuition is state income tax deductible (up to $10,000
per year) for each child.
o
TAP grants:
Amount increased to $5,000; income eligibility levels raised
($80,000/family). Part-time students can also apply for up to
$2,000.
o
College Savings Plan (529):
Contributions raised to $5,000 (individual); $10,000 (per
married couple). Visit
http://nysaves.uii.upromise.com
to open an account.
o
NYS World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship:
Guarantees access to college education for children, spouses and
financial dependents of deceased and permanently disabled
victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
o
Tuition Aid for Veterans, Military Members and Children:
Military Service Recognition Scholarship provides financial aid
to children, spouses and dependents of members of US armed
forces who died or permanently disabled after August 2, 1990.
o
Regents & Other Scholarships:
8,000 awards are available to recent graduates with outstanding
academic performance.
