On Sept. 10 from 7-9 p.m., State Comptroller Carl McCall and New York State Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli will host a Public Forum to discuss the "College Savings Program," an innovative new program that will allow thousands of New Yorkers to better plan and save for a child's college education. The forum will be held at the Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue, Great Neck.

Beginning in September 1998, individuals may open a special higher education savings account-called a Family Tuition Account, and benefit from New York State and federal tax incentives. Under the program, accounts may be opened with a minimum regular contribution of $25 through electronic funds transfer from a bank account and/or payroll deduction or $250 by check. A separate account may be opened for each child.

As a benefit to parents, grandparents and others who would contribute toward a child's education savings, up to $5,000 in contributions each year to an account may be deducted by a New York State resident from state taxable income. Married individuals, whether filing jointly or separately, may each deduct contributions up to $5,000 annually, for a total deduction of up to $10,000!

In announcing the Sept. 10 event, Assemblyman DiNapoli said, "I am looking forward to hosting this Public Forum with Comptroller McCall since higher education is such an important issue to the residents of the 16th Assembly District. Many parents who are saving for their children's education will be quite pleased with the incentives offered by New York College Savings Program. Grandparents will also be interested in learning more about the program."

State Comptroller H. Carl McCall said: "A college education is the best avenue to a good economic future and New York's College Savings Program is a valuable new opportunity to help students and their families pay for that education. Education is truly an investment-this program helps New Yorkers make that investment more affordable."

For more information, please call Assemblyman DiNapoli's District Office at 482-6966 or visit the College Savings Program's website - (www.nysaves.org).