Connecticut Senate Bill SB00850

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/13
• Refer: 2/7/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Connecticut Aid To Public College Students.

Impact

One of the significant changes proposed in SB00850 is the stipulation that a minimum of ten percent of state financial aid appropriated to each institution must directly support needy minority students. This aims to improve access to higher education for underrepresented groups, promoting educational equity within the state. Additionally, the bill mandates that five percent of state aid be allocated towards community service work-study programs, which fosters civic engagement among students while providing essential financial support.

Summary

SB00850, titled 'An Act Concerning Connecticut Aid To Public College Students', proposes changes in how state financial aid is allocated to public colleges. The bill seeks to reassign the responsibility for requesting annual appropriations from the Board of Regents for Higher Education to the Office of Higher Education. The Office would develop a formula to allocate funds to the University of Connecticut, state universities, and community colleges, taking into account federal aid received by students, and ensuring transparency in the allocation process.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB00850 likely includes contrasting views on the control and efficacy of state funding for student financial aid, particularly concerning the allocation formula. Supporters argue that moving control from the Board of Regents to the Office of Higher Education will create a more effective and needs-based distribution of resources. Conversely, there may be concerns regarding how these allocations will be managed and whether this shift could lead to a decrease in institutional autonomy over financial aid decisions.