Albany, NY – Assemblymember Robert Carroll (D/WF - 44) announced that his bill A.761/S.8220, which makes Team USA athletes training for the Olympics in New York eligible for in-state tuition at SUNY and CUNY schools, passed both houses of the New York State Legislature today. This bill intends to keep New York competitive with states such as California, Colorado, and Utah that provide in-state tuition to Team USA Olympic athletes in training. Offering this benefit will increase the likelihood that elite American athletes will choose to study in New York while they continue their training.

“As the host of two previous Winter Olympic Games and one of four states with US Olympic and Paralympic training centers, New York has a deep and continuing Olympic tradition. With the passage of this bill, Team USA athletes will be eligible to receive in-state tuition at public universities just as they do in California, Utah, and Colorado,” said Assemblymember Robert Carroll. “At a time when our federal government is damaging our reputation internationally and destroying America’s tradition as a place that values diversity and welcomes people from all over the world, this legislation embraces the Olympic spirit of international cooperation and our common humanity. I want to thank Senator Sean Ryan for sponsoring this bill in the Senate and ensuring its passage there.”

"New York has a rich tradition of Olympic excellence. Our state has produced hundreds of Olympic athletes and is home to Lake Placid, one of nine cities in the entire world that has hosted the Olympics more than once. We're very proud of this tradition and this bill will encourage the world class athletes training in New York to take advantage of our world class public universities while they are here,” said Senator Sean Ryan (D-Buffalo).

“Between the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics and the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, the North Country has a long history and strong ties with the Olympics. Offering in-state tuition for Olympic athletes who choose to call this region their home while training to be a part of Team USA is a small gesture of appreciation that will encourage these athletes to choose New York to continue their education. I am proud to co-sponsor this bill that will help continue to make Lake Placid a top-tier location for Olympic athletes,” said Assemblymember Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake). 

“We’re deeply grateful to the New York State Legislature for recognizing the extraordinary commitment of Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls. This legislation is a meaningful investment – acknowledging that many athletes relocate to pursue world-class training and offering them the chance to pursue education alongside sport. New York has long been a champion of the Olympic and Paralympic movements, and this law reaffirms its leadership in supporting the dreams of Team USA,” said Sarah Hirshland, Chief Executive Officer United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.