Still no final budget, TAP increase included in tentative agreement

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)----Cybersecurity officials are working to get to the bottom of a ransomware attack impacting the state’s bill drafting system, which is responsible for printing legislation. However, spokespeople for the legislative leaders said they don’t believe it will delay the overall process.

The hack comes just days after the governor announced a tentative budget agreement. Included in that agreement is more money for higher education.

"We are making changes to the tuition assistance program," said Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday. "Increasing the minimum award from $500-1,000 and raising the dependent student income limit from $80,000 to $125,000."

SUNY Chancellor John King said this will allow another 26,000 SUNY students to access TAP.

"So that’s a huge win for the state, for SUNY, and most importantly for our students."

According the chancellor, the income threshold is also increasing for independent students.

"The income threshold for independent students was actually $10,000," said King. "Hadn’t changed since the mid 80s and that is also moving up under this agreement to $30,000. Another 8,500 will now be eligible for TAP support as a result."

Assembly Republicans are in favor of seeing an increase.

"It was kind of surprise there were no investments in TAP in the executive proposal, to be honest," said Assemblymember Edward Ra. "But I think we want to see that amount be modernized."

Lawmakers are hoping to see a final budget this week.