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Cuomo free college announcement

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BaseballWidow
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Re: Cuomo free college announcement

What about all the loan defaulters? Aren't we ultimately paying for them, as well? Loans might be good for some but certainly not the be all and end all to the higher education situation. I am sure there is a solution in this, somewhere, that works for the majority. We are never going to please everyone. Like I said, I am happy to make the money we do and have the "dilemma" of paying college. I am pretty sure we've spent at least a year's worth of SUNY college expenses on Disney alone. If it came down to one or the other, pretty sure we'd be doing a lot more staycations.

Posted 1/5/17 11:39 AM
 
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GoldenRod
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Shawn

Re: Cuomo free college announcement

Posted by BaseballWidow

Posted by JennP

What I don't see mentioned so far is that a major problem with relying on loans is that it discourages people from entering lower paying but rewarding and necessary careers.

I personally don't want to create a society where talented people can't become teachers, social workers, etc. because they won't be able to afford to pay back the loans on their salaries.



I think there is something either in play or in discussion about this. If you worked in certain fields like education or human services there was some way to reduce your loan amounts. It was based on length of time working in the field (maybe 10 years?) and I believe you had to be current on your loan. Not sure what came of it as it didn't apply to me but I did remember some of the younger people at work being excited.



There are some loan forgiveness programs available for various professions.

https://www.hesc.ny.gov/repay-your-loans/repayment-options-assistance/loan-forgiveness-cancellation-and-discharge.html
District Attorneys
Teachers
Farmers
Social Workers
Nurses
Peace Corp volunteer
etc

Posted 1/5/17 11:47 AM
 

GoldenRod
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Re: Cuomo free college announcement

https://www.ny.gov/programs/tuition-free-degree-program-excelsior-scholarship#

So far, all I'm finding out about the program is bullet points and talking points. I can't find any real details.

Posted 1/5/17 11:49 AM
 

BaseballWidow
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Re: Cuomo free college announcement

Posted by GoldenRod

https://www.ny.gov/programs/tuition-free-degree-program-excelsior-scholarship#

So far, all I'm finding out about the program is bullet points and talking points. I can't find any real details.



That's all it is right now. Cuomo likes to hear himself talk. There is no plan, just an idea.

Posted 1/5/17 11:51 AM
 

ohbaby08
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Cuomo free college announcement

While I agree that $125k upstate is much different from $125k downstate, there has to be a cap. And there will always be someone just above the cap that doesn't qualify.

With that said, I'm shocked at how many people think $125k is such a small income, even on LI.

Posted 1/5/17 12:25 PM
 

NervousNell
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..being a mommy and being a wife!

Re: Cuomo free college announcement

Posted by ohbaby08

While I agree that $125k upstate is much different from $125k downstate, there has to be a cap. And there will always be someone just above the cap that doesn't qualify.

With that said, I'm shocked at how many people think $125k is such a small income, even on LI.



It's not a small income, but with 2 people working and the cost of childcare, etc. and the taxes on LI it isn't like you are rich or anything.
It's pretty much middle class/middle of the road on LI.
DH and make more than that combined and we live in a PAINFULLY small house, I drive an 11 year old car, he had used and beat up cars for the past 20 years and just NOW finally leased himself out something nice. We live comfortably, but we could use help with DD's college tuition etc. We aren't living high on the hog or anything.

Message edited 1/5/2017 12:40:15 PM.

Posted 1/5/17 12:39 PM
 

jellybean78
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Cuomo free college announcement

IDK how I feel about this. I do think if it gets implemented the program needs a lot of steps put in place. The cap needs to be much higher....maybe like the STAR income limit which is $500K. Realistically everyone I know with younger kids pretty much makes more than the $125K combined or close to it and while some of us are pretty comfortable no one is living the high life.

IMO even more than the income limit they need to make sure there is an academic threshold i.e. only applies to HS seniors with a B or higher average and in order to maintain the free tuition your average has to be B or higher, etc.

Posted 1/5/17 12:48 PM
 

jellybean78
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Re: Cuomo free college announcement

Posted by Pumpkin1

State college tuition is about $7k per year, so I don't think its going to be as much of a tax burden, if any, as people think.



Yea I kind of agree. SUNY and CUNY IMOi is pretty affordable and basic eligible loans cover all the tuition pretty much. I know I have a friend whose family was low income and she went to CUNY and pretty much graduated with no student loans between the financial aid and scholarship she qualified for.

The real big $$ comes when you are paying room and board. My cousin has both her DDs in Bing now and that's where her $$$ goes. The tuition is a drop in the bucket compared to room and meal costs.

Posted 1/5/17 12:50 PM
 

FTM427
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Cuomo free college announcement

Why can't kids get student loans if they want to go to college? I did and I worked my butt off during college and after to pay off my loans. If you want to go to college...great! Good for you! It used to be that having some debt lit a fire under you to work harder to pay it off. Now everyone just keeps asking...who's going to pay for my education???

Posted 1/5/17 1:01 PM
 

busymomonli
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Re: Cuomo free college announcement

Posted by ohbaby08

While I agree that $125k upstate is much different from $125k downstate, there has to be a cap. And there will always be someone just above the cap that doesn't qualify.

With that said, I'm shocked at how many people think $125k is such a small income, even on LI.



Can't they stagger how much is covered?

Free under 50K income
75% paid -50-75K
50% paid -75-125K
25% paid -125-175K

Something to that affect?

Seems more practical and fair.

Posted 1/5/17 1:09 PM
 

casey31
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Mommy to two boys and a girl

Re: Cuomo free college announcement

Posted by Bebelove

Posted by haveaquestion

Posted by oldtimerocknroll

I like the intent of the plan. However, I have trouble with the $125K part. That income is much different for a family on Long Island than it is for many other parts of the state, for example.

That income is wealthy in some parts of the state; I would say that on Long Island, it still falls into middle class. I think the middle class range is HUGE here, so please do not misinterpret my words; I am not saying you must make $125K to qualify for the middle class. I am saying $125K is in the middle-class range.


I don't think its a bad idea but the 125k is not fair to people on LI. 125 upstate is a lot different than in nassau county.



Agree. This is not meant to benefit the vast majority of families in NYC or Long Island. If that were the case, the cutoff would be 200k. There is a reason for the 125k cutoff. On the contrary, the tuition bill will likely increase and the schools will be near impossible to get into. NYC and LI seem to be the piggy bank for the rest of NYS. CUNY/ SUNY will become the college version of Hunter, Bronx Sci, and Stuy. Even the very brightest students do not make it into these schools. Husband and I were banking on our 3 going to state school, we will see what happens.




EXACTLY This!! Same for our three

Posted 1/5/17 1:11 PM
 

GoldenRod
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Member since 11/06

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Shawn

Re: Cuomo free college announcement

Posted by jellybean78

IDK how I feel about this. I do think if it gets implemented the program needs a lot of steps put in place. The cap needs to be much higher....maybe like the STAR income limit which is $500K. Realistically everyone I know with younger kids pretty much makes more than the $125K combined or close to it and while some of us are pretty comfortable no one is living the high life.

IMO even more than the income limit they need to make sure there is an academic threshold i.e. only applies to HS seniors with a B or higher average and in order to maintain the free tuition your average has to be B or higher, etc.




According to the plan's website:


Currently 80 percent of NY households statewide make $125,000 or less with an estimated 940,000 households having college-aged children that would be eligible for the program.



Just like Pell and TAP programs currently have, I'm sure there will be academic requirements (even though there hasn't been any info on it)

Posted 1/5/17 1:11 PM
 

GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!

Member since 11/06

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Shawn

Re: Cuomo free college announcement

Posted by busymomonli

Posted by ohbaby08

While I agree that $125k upstate is much different from $125k downstate, there has to be a cap. And there will always be someone just above the cap that doesn't qualify.

With that said, I'm shocked at how many people think $125k is such a small income, even on LI.



Can't they stagger how much is covered?

Free under 50K income
75% paid -50-75K
50% paid -75-125K
25% paid -125-175K

Something to that affect?

Seems more practical and fair.



But, like any kind of fixed number, people will say "How come I lose out on 25% just because I make $126k and not $124.9k"

The TAP program does have a sliding scale based on income and need. I don't think it has fixed numbers, but a much more gradual scale.

Posted 1/5/17 1:14 PM
 

jlm2008
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Re: Cuomo free college announcement

Posted by ohbaby08

While I agree that $125k upstate is much different from $125k downstate, there has to be a cap. And there will always be someone just above the cap that doesn't qualify.

With that said, I'm shocked at how many people think $125k is such a small income, even on LI.



LOL!!! So happy somebody else finally said it!!! I was thinking, shit I must be poor because I see $125k as a whole lot of money!!! I do live in this area.

Posted 1/5/17 3:44 PM
 

Hofstra26
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Re: Cuomo free college announcement

Posted by jlm2008

Posted by ohbaby08

While I agree that $125k upstate is much different from $125k downstate, there has to be a cap. And there will always be someone just above the cap that doesn't qualify.

With that said, I'm shocked at how many people think $125k is such a small income, even on LI.



LOL!!! So happy somebody else finally said it!!! I was thinking, shit I must be poor because I see $125k as a whole lot of money!!! I do live in this area.



Based on the home prices here, taxes, and general cost of living................$125K (while a good income) isn't all that much when you live in one of the most expensive places in the country to live. $125K in GA or FL or the midwest...........awesome. On this island, it won't go as far as one might think.

Posted 1/5/17 4:59 PM
 

DiamondGirl
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Re: Cuomo free college announcement

Posted by ohbaby08

While I agree that $125k upstate is much different from $125k downstate, there has to be a cap. And there will always be someone just above the cap that doesn't qualify.

With that said, I'm shocked at how many people think $125k is such a small income, even on LI.



$125k in Long Island combined for two parents of the age to have an 18 yr old (meaning they have likely been working 20+ years at that point) is low. And no there does not NEED to be a cap, if my tax dollars and all the other people who earn over that amount are funding this then we should be able to benefit from it. In NYC there is universal Prek which my son attended--no cap. Public school k-12, no cap IMAGINE telling people they had to pay for k-12 bc they earned more than the cap amount? As it is our tax dollars fund it...

Posted 1/6/17 7:52 AM
 

PhyllisNJoe
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Phyllis

Re: Cuomo free college announcement

I can see how people are angry about there being a cap at all. But there has to be a breaking point somewhere. Why should you pay for something you won't benefit from? Well, Why should I pay for any of it not having children at all? Should the child free people and people who can afford to pay for college for their children be exempt from this tax?

It's about helping people better themselves. I do think 125 is a bit low for LI. And still say there have to be guidelines met to qualify. I'd much rather see my taxes go towards the betterment of young minds then to fraudgelant welfare recipients and prisons.

Posted 1/6/17 8:11 AM
 

hmm
Sweet

Member since 1/14

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Re: Cuomo free college announcement

Posted by GoldenRod

Posted by BaseballWidow

Posted by JennP

What I don't see mentioned so far is that a major problem with relying on loans is that it discourages people from entering lower paying but rewarding and necessary careers.

I personally don't want to create a society where talented people can't become teachers, social workers, etc. because they won't be able to afford to pay back the loans on their salaries.



I think there is something either in play or in discussion about this. If you worked in certain fields like education or human services there was some way to reduce your loan amounts. It was based on length of time working in the field (maybe 10 years?) and I believe you had to be current on your loan. Not sure what came of it as it didn't apply to me but I did remember some of the younger people at work being excited.



There are some loan forgiveness programs available for various professions.

https://www.hesc.ny.gov/repay-your-loans/repayment-options-assistance/loan-forgiveness-cancellation-and-discharge.html
District Attorneys
Teachers
Farmers
Social Workers
Nurses
Peace Corp volunteer
etc



the loan forgiveness is Bull shit.. you must pay in full for at least 10 yrs then you might be forgiven. The yrs working in the set criteria must be consecutive. It works best for teachers only in my experience.

Posted 1/6/17 8:14 AM
 

JP826
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Member since 9/06

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Me!! All about ME!

Re: Cuomo free college announcement

Posted by ave1024

Posted by KarenK122

I'm surprised by the comments as this was a cornerstone of Bernie's campaign and I do not remember any objections to it then. Hillary is even giving it praise.




Bernie supporters were blinded by ignorance to even see this. I wouldn't want to fund this with my tax dollars. Bernie also wanted to remove the Social Security income cap, so anybody making over 115k would be taxed an additional 6-7%. Bernie was going to tax the living shit out of everbody. Thank god he didn't get elected.

This has zero chance of passing anyways. Cuomo needs to stick with fixing the decrepit LIRR and MTA system. Or even better a convenient scandal needs to find Cuomo so his ass can get ousted out the same way Mangano and Venditto will go, with DeBlasio hopefully not far behind. I would call kicking those four out of office the "grand slam of politics".



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Posted 1/6/17 11:27 AM
 

ohbaby08
Winter is Coming

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1718 total posts

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Re: Cuomo free college announcement

Posted by DiamondGirl

Posted by ohbaby08

While I agree that $125k upstate is much different from $125k downstate, there has to be a cap. And there will always be someone just above the cap that doesn't qualify.

With that said, I'm shocked at how many people think $125k is such a small income, even on LI.



$125k in Long Island combined for two parents of the age to have an 18 yr old (meaning they have likely been working 20+ years at that point) is low. And no there does not NEED to be a cap, if my tax dollars and all the other people who earn over that amount are funding this then we should be able to benefit from it. In NYC there is universal Prek which my son attended--no cap. Public school k-12, no cap IMAGINE telling people they had to pay for k-12 bc they earned more than the cap amount? As it is our tax dollars fund it...



Of course there has to be a cap. The whole point of this program is to give kids who can't afford college the chance to go. You think someone who makes $1mil a year should get the same benefit as someone who makes $80k? That's insane. And comparing UPK or K-12 is not the same thing.

Posted 1/6/17 11:34 AM
 

ohbaby08
Winter is Coming

Member since 10/07

1718 total posts

Name:

Re: Cuomo free college announcement

Posted by Hofstra26

Posted by jlm2008

Posted by ohbaby08

While I agree that $125k upstate is much different from $125k downstate, there has to be a cap. And there will always be someone just above the cap that doesn't qualify.

With that said, I'm shocked at how many people think $125k is such a small income, even on LI.



LOL!!! So happy somebody else finally said it!!! I was thinking, shit I must be poor because I see $125k as a whole lot of money!!! I do live in this area.



Based on the home prices here, taxes, and general cost of living................$125K (while a good income) isn't all that much when you live in one of the most expensive places in the country to live. $125K in GA or FL or the midwest...........awesome. On this island, it won't go as far as one might think.



I live here. I'm well aware of the cost of living on Long Island. I just found it interesting that so many people commented about $125k like it is a drop in the bucket.

Posted 1/6/17 11:38 AM
 

DiamondGirl
You are my I love you

Member since 7/09

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DiamondMama

Re: Cuomo free college announcement

Posted by ohbaby08

Posted by DiamondGirl

Posted by ohbaby08

While I agree that $125k upstate is much different from $125k downstate, there has to be a cap. And there will always be someone just above the cap that doesn't qualify.

With that said, I'm shocked at how many people think $125k is such a small income, even on LI.



$125k in Long Island combined for two parents of the age to have an 18 yr old (meaning they have likely been working 20+ years at that point) is low. And no there does not NEED to be a cap, if my tax dollars and all the other people who earn over that amount are funding this then we should be able to benefit from it. In NYC there is universal Prek which my son attended--no cap. Public school k-12, no cap IMAGINE telling people they had to pay for k-12 bc they earned more than the cap amount? As it is our tax dollars fund it...



Of course there has to be a cap. The whole point of this program is to give kids who can't afford college the chance to go. You think someone who makes $1mil a year should get the same benefit as someone who makes $80k? That's insane. And comparing UPK or K-12 is not the same thing.



Why is it not the same thing? If you want to offer public education to citizens funded by tax payers then do that, the CAP on this program will further exclude the middle class citizens funding the program.

Posted 1/9/17 8:34 AM
 

eroxgirl
My Loves

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Rebecca

Re: Cuomo free college announcement

Posted by DiamondGirl

Posted by ohbaby08

Posted by DiamondGirl

Posted by ohbaby08

While I agree that $125k upstate is much different from $125k downstate, there has to be a cap. And there will always be someone just above the cap that doesn't qualify.

With that said, I'm shocked at how many people think $125k is such a small income, even on LI.



$125k in Long Island combined for two parents of the age to have an 18 yr old (meaning they have likely been working 20+ years at that point) is low. And no there does not NEED to be a cap, if my tax dollars and all the other people who earn over that amount are funding this then we should be able to benefit from it. In NYC there is universal Prek which my son attended--no cap. Public school k-12, no cap IMAGINE telling people they had to pay for k-12 bc they earned more than the cap amount? As it is our tax dollars fund it...



Of course there has to be a cap. The whole point of this program is to give kids who can't afford college the chance to go. You think someone who makes $1mil a year should get the same benefit as someone who makes $80k? That's insane. And comparing UPK or K-12 is not the same thing.



Why is it not the same thing? If you want to offer public education to citizens funded by tax payers then do that, the CAP on this program will further exclude the middle class citizens funding the program.



Its not the same because we are required by law to have a primary education, which is why public school is available.

We are not required by law to have a secondary education, but since we do not live in a caste system where you are expected to stay at the same station from birth through death, why is it so terrible to offer the poorest among us who also have the grades and intellectual ability an opportunity to receive that secondary education if they want it? They still have to do the work to get there and to stay there.

Financial aid is the only 'handout' that's truly fair IMO. If your grades drop you lose your financial aid. My cousin lost hers (as she deserved, because she was partying with her boyfriend and not going to class).

This will never actually pass anyway, but I can't get over how many people think it's grossly unfair to offer help to people who are less fortunate than they are, or how many people think the worst of mankind, automatically looking to the few who will try to cheat the system instead of the many who could benefit from it and in turn, become people who will contribute to society in a more positive and influential way than without an education.

Posted 1/9/17 11:36 AM
 
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