Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) today attended a press conference to introduce a more inclusive higher education reform package aimed at increasing the income threshold for prospective students to qualify for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), raising the TAP amount for each individual student and assisting recent graduates with student loans by making the principal and interest tax deductible.

“Many middle-class families on Long Island are struggling to afford a college education and this plan will directly help them do so,” Ra said. “TAP eligibility hasn’t been changed since 2000 while the costs of everything from education and healthcare to household necessities and housing have increased. This plan will increase the household income threshold to $125,000 so more families qualify while at the same time allow graduate students to access awards.”

Highlights of the ‘Affordable College for All Initiative’:

• Household Income Threshold for TAP eligibility increased from $80,000 to $125,000
• Increase the maximum TAP award to $6,470
• Provide an additional $500 to every TAP recipient
• Restore the graduate program eligibility for TAP
• Provide an income adjustment for tax purposes for both interest and principal amounts of student loans