Establishes a COVID-19 essential workers scholarship program to award annual scholarships to essential employees who worked during the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and children of essential employees who have died as a result of contracting COVID-19.
Summary
Bill S05520 establishes a scholarship program for essential workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic and for their children if the workers died from the virus. The scholarships will cover tuition and fees for eligible recipients attending various educational institutions in New York, including the City University of New York and the State University of New York. The amount awarded will be determined based on the tuition charged at the institution, mandatory fees, and non-tuition costs, ensuring that the total financial aid does not exceed the cost of attendance as defined by federal guidelines.
Impact
The bill amends the education law to create a new section specifically for COVID-19 essential worker scholarships, thereby expanding the scope of financial aid available to a specific group of individuals affected by the pandemic. This legislation will likely increase access to higher education for essential workers and their families, potentially leading to a more educated workforce and addressing the educational disparities exacerbated by the pandemic.
Sentiment
The sentiment around Bill S05520 appears to be generally supportive, as it acknowledges the sacrifices made by essential workers during the pandemic. However, there may be concerns regarding the funding and implementation of the scholarship program, as well as the criteria for determining who qualifies as an essential worker.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the definition of 'essential worker' and the eligibility criteria for scholarships. Some stakeholders may argue that the criteria should be broad to include more individuals, while others may advocate for stricter definitions to limit the program's scope. Additionally, there may be discussions about the adequacy of funding for the scholarships and whether it will sufficiently cover the costs associated with higher education.
Establishes a novel virus essential workers scholarship program to award annual scholarships to essential employees who worked during the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or during the outbreak of another novel virus and children of essential employees who have died as a result of contracting COVID-19 or another novel virus.
Establishes a novel virus essential workers scholarship program to award annual scholarships to essential employees who worked during the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or during the outbreak of another novel virus and children of essential employees who have died as a result of contracting COVID-19 or another novel virus.
Enacts the COVID-19 essential workers appreciation act which requires businesses who have increased their profits due to the outbreak of COVID-19 to deposit five percent of gross profits into a fund to be used by the COVID-19 essential workers appreciation task force to make awards to essential employees and families of essential employees who have died as a result of contracting COVID-19.
Establishes the COVID heroes grant program to award a lump sum pay differential of $2,500 to essential SUNY hospital employees who worked during the COVID-19 state disaster emergency.
Establishes the COVID heroes grant program to award a lump sum pay differential of $2,500 to essential SUNY hospital employees who worked during the COVID-19 state disaster emergency.
Makes $3 million supplemental appropriation for bonus awards for certain COVID-19 emergency essential frontline State workers of Local 195 of International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers.
Makes $3 million supplemental appropriation for bonus awards for certain COVID-19 emergency essential frontline State workers of Local 195 International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers.
Recognizing the essential contributions of frontline health workers in assisting the state to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and urging greater attention and support for local frontline health workers.
"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.
"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.