Education (Student Financial Aid)

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 855: Requires public high school students to receive financial literacy instruction on higher education costs, student financial assistance, and cryptocurrencies.

This New Jersey bill (A 855) requires all public high school students to receive mandatory financial literacy instruction covering four key areas: applying for financial aid, understanding higher education costs and funding options (loans, grants), student loan rights and payment choices, and cryptocurrency risks including "get rich quick" scams. It directly affects every public high school student in New Jersey by adding these topics to existing financial literacy curriculum requirements. The bill mandates school boards to integrate these specific lessons into secondary education programs, effective immediately for the next full school year after enactment. The policy aims to provide practical, real-world financial education without endorsing any specific financial products or services.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates financial literacy curriculum on higher education costs, student loans, and cryptocurrency risks, enhancing student financial decision-making in K-12 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1305: Allows a gross income tax deduction for certain higher education tuition and fee expenses.

This bill allows New Jersey taxpayers with gross income of $85,000 or less to deduct certain higher education tuition and fee expenses paid during the year. The deduction applies to expenses for the taxpayer, their spouse, or dependents who are enrolled as matriculated students at accredited public or independent colleges or universities. It covers tuition and fees paid directly to the institution, not other education costs. The policy change takes effect immediately for taxable years after enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax deduction for lower-income taxpayers ($85k cap), reducing taxable income and offering direct tax relief.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides tax deduction for higher education tuition, increasing affordability and access for lower-income taxpayers enrolled in accredited institutions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

AR 103: Urges President and Congress of United States to continue federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

This is a New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 103), not a bill with binding effect. It urges the U.S. President and Congress to continue the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, opposing its proposed elimination in the 2021 federal budget. The PSLF Program, established in 2007, forgives student loans for public servants (like teachers, firefighters, and social workers) after 120 on-time payments under income-driven repayment plans while working full-time for government or non-profits. The resolution cites data showing 1,565 borrowers received $100 million in forgiven debt as of 2019, emphasizing the program's role in recruiting public sector employees.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationResolution supports PSLF program, which directly benefits teachers (a core education workforce) by reducing student debt, aligning with 'strengthening' education through teacher support.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentUrges continuation of PSLF program, which forgives student loans for public servants (teachers, firefighters, etc.), directly supporting worker financial stability and retention in public employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3111: Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to suspend accrual of interest on certain New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students Loan Program loans in deferment or forbearance.

This bill requires New Jersey's Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) to stop interest from accruing on NJCLASS loans for borrowers approved for deferment or forbearance due to temporary disability, unemployment, or financial hardship between March 9 and September 9, 2020. It directly affects New Jersey college students with NJCLASS loans who qualify for these hardship-related repayment options during that specific period. The key provision mandates HESAA to suspend interest accumulation during approved deferment or forbearance periods - unlike standard practice where interest continues to accrue. This change provides immediate financial relief by preventing additional interest charges during the designated timeframe. The bill took effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationSuspends interest on college loans for financially distressed students, reducing barriers to higher education access during pandemic hardship period.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentSuspends interest on student loans for borrowers facing unemployment, providing direct financial relief during job loss, aligning with Labor & Employment protections for workers in hardship.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Unemployment

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1697: Establishes Teaching Scholars Loan Redemption Program in Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

This bill establishes the Teaching Scholars Loan Redemption Program to address New Jersey's educator shortage by offering financial incentives to top high school graduates. Eligible participants (NJ residents who graduated from NJ high schools, applied for all other grants/scholarships, and enroll in NJ higher education) receive student loans up to $40,000 for undergrad or $10,000 for grad studies. In exchange for a five-year teaching commitment in a NJ public school, the state repays up to $50,000 total in loans ($10,000 per year of service), with participants required to maintain academic standing. The program targets high-achieving students to recruit future educators while capping total state repayment per participant.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunds teacher recruitment via state loan repayment program, increasing public education spending as a fiscal strategy to address educator shortage.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAddresses educator shortage via loan repayment incentives for teachers, supporting recruitment and retention in NJ public schools through financial aid for education careers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Financial Aid Teachers

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3556: Allows gross income tax deduction for employees for amounts paid by employers for certain educational assistance programs for employees and for employee's student loans.

This New Jersey bill (A 3556) would allow employees to deduct from their gross income up to $5,250 annually in employer-paid educational assistance (like tuition, fees, or textbooks) and up to $5,250 in employer-paid student loan payments (principal or interest). It directly affects New Jersey employees who receive these benefits from their employers, matching the federal tax exclusion limit under Section 127 of the IRS code. The deduction applies to qualified higher education expenses (as defined by federal law) and student loans used for such expenses, excluding non-educational costs like hobbies. The bill is pending before the Assembly Higher Education Committee and would apply to taxable years starting after enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax deduction for educational assistance/student loans, reducing taxable income for employees - direct tax relief aligning with support indicators.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides tax deductions for employer-paid education expenses and student loans, expanding access to higher education for employees through financial relief.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands employee financial benefits by allowing tax deductions for employer-paid education/student loans, directly enhancing workplace compensation and professional development opportunities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2216: Requires several State agencies to review and increase, if authorized, income eligibility standards for certain public assistance, school nutrition, and higher education student financial assistance programs; makes an appropriation.

This bill (A2216) requires New Jersey's Department of Agriculture, Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, and Department of Human Services to review and update income eligibility limits for specific public assistance, school nutrition, and student financial aid programs. It mandates that if agencies have the authority and funding, they must increase income thresholds by the total percentage rise in the state minimum wage since 2019 (from $8.85 to $15.13) plus a cost-of-living adjustment based on Social Security benefits. The change directly affects low-income residents qualifying for programs like the National School Lunch Program, Community College Opportunity Grants, and public assistance benefits. The bill ensures these eligibility limits better reflect rising costs of living and minimum wage increases, without creating new programs or altering existing funding structures.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates new appropriations to expand eligibility for public assistance and education programs by increasing income thresholds based on minimum wage hikes and COLA, directly funding essential services.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases income eligibility for school nutrition and higher education financial aid, expanding access to educational support programs by aligning thresholds with minimum wage and cost-of-living adjustments.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentAdjusts public assistance eligibility thresholds to match minimum wage increases since 2019, expanding access to benefits for low-income workers as wages rise.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Higher Education Student Financial Aid Minimum Wage

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1314: Directs DOE to establish advertising campaign to attract candidates to teaching and education support professions; appropriates $1 million.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Education to create a multimedia advertising campaign promoting teaching and education support careers as engaging and rewarding opportunities. The campaign must highlight available scholarships, student loan programs, and financial support for prospective educators, using digital, TV, radio, and print media. It also requires targeted outreach to recruit teachers from underrepresented racial groups and into high-demand fields like STEM education, special education, and bilingual programs. The bill appropriates $1 million from federal ARP Act funds to implement these efforts, effective immediately.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $1 million for education recruitment campaign, directly funding a state program through budget allocation.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $1M for teacher recruitment campaign highlighting financial support and diversity outreach to address educator shortages.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education Student Financial Aid Teachers

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2138: Concerns incentive compensation and contracts between online program management companies and institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.

This bill prohibits New Jersey colleges and universities from paying online program management companies (like third-party firms managing their online courses) incentive-based compensation (such as commissions or bonuses tied to student enrollment or financial aid) except for recruiting international students. It requires all new or amended contracts with these companies to be submitted to the state higher education office within 20 days and approved by the institution's governing board, banning provisions like tuition-based payments, involvement in curriculum design, or use of the school's branding. Institutions must also submit annual reports detailing how these companies spent funds across specific categories, including instruction, student support, and technology. The law applies to both public colleges and licensed for-profit schools offering degree programs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill restricts incentive-based contracts with online program managers to prevent enrollment-driven practices, protecting educational integrity and student interests in higher education.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2534: Establishes Jersey Strong Public Service Scholarship Program.

This bill creates the Jersey Strong Public Service Scholarship Program to help students working in critical public service roles. It provides scholarships covering up to $25,000 for two years (after one year of employment) or $50,000 for four years (after two years of employment) at New Jersey public colleges or universities. Eligible students must be NJ residents, U.S. citizens, employed full-time in designated sectors like hospitals, schools, or first responder roles, and meet income and academic requirements. The program requires repayment of funds if a student withdraws without approved reasons or is dismissed from school.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds for public service scholarships, increasing government spending on essential workforce programs.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides scholarships for students in public service roles (including schools) to attend NJ public colleges, expanding higher education access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

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