S6155A

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Bailey to modify the Excelsior Scholarship program, addressing an unintended consequence that disqualifies students when their parents earn modest additional income. The bill passed 54-7 on a roll call vote. Bailey explained that the current program penalizes families for taking on supplemental work, citing the example of a teacher in his district whose son lost scholarship eligibility after she earned a few hundred dollars teaching summer school. The legislation would allow for modest income increases without triggering disqualification, ensuring families are not discouraged from pursuing additional employment. Seven senators voted against the measure: Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Lanza, Martins, Ortt, Rhoads, Walczyk, and Weik.