(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,C,I-Glen Head) is co-sponsoring legislation to establish the New York State Leaders of Tomorrow scholarship. Under this legislation the scholarship funded by the state lottery, which was terminated in 2009, would be reinstated. The scholarship would be awarded to eligible students who are in good standing and have demonstrated an interest in exploring higher education.
“Middle-class families and students from all across New York State are overwhelmed with the ever-increasing cost of tuition and the debt they are left with upon graduation,” said Montesano. “Providing any amount of assistance to students during these tough financial times is the least we can do.”
When established in the late 1960s, the New York State Lottery was intended to fund the state’s education system. In more recent years, only about a 1/3 of the total sales and net wins have been reinvested into education. This legislation emphasizes the importance of using a larger portion of the funding for its original purpose, rather than further promoting gambling.
“In a time when our education system is in dire need of funding at every level, it is critical to hold the state gaming commission accountable for the money owed,” said Montesano. “As revenue from the lottery increases, the funding for higher education should as well. This legislation brings light to this unacceptable trend, while also providing scholarship opportunities for New York students.”
