Connecticut House Bill HB05468

Connecticut 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/14
• Refer: 3/3/14

Caption

An Act Concerning Connecticut Scholarships.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5468 will amend subsection (h) of section 10a-173 of the Connecticut General Statutes, thereby reinforcing the state's commitment to supporting student success through financial incentives. The bill requires that students must return with the requisite credits and meet defined academic performance standards to be eligible for the incentive. By ensuring that students have the support to complete their degrees in a timely manner, the bill aims to increase graduation rates and improve educational outcomes for Connecticut residents.

Summary

House Bill 5468, titled 'An Act Concerning Connecticut Scholarships', aims to make a technical change to the existing Governor's Scholarship program statute. This legislation focuses on creating a Governor's Scholarship incentive pool designed to encourage student retention and completion of academic degrees in Connecticut's higher education institutions. Under the bill, students who receive need-based grants and fulfill specific requirements will have access to this incentive pool after their first year in the program.

Contention

The primary points of contention surrounding HB 5468 focus on the adequacy of funding for the proposed scholarship incentive pool and its potential impact on the state's budget. While proponents argue that the incentives will lead to long-term educational and economic benefits, some legislators express concern about whether the state will be able to sustain the financial commitment needed to support such a program. Stakeholders in the higher education community, including university administrators, may have differing views on the effectiveness of these incentives in driving student success, given the existing challenges faced by students in completing their degrees.