Connecticut House Bill HB07161

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/19
• Refer: 2/21/19
• Report Pass: 3/12/19
• Refer: 3/25/19
• Report Pass: 4/1/19
• Refer: 4/10/19

Caption

An Act Establishing Finish Line Grants.

Impact

If enacted, HB 7161 could significantly affect state laws governing financial aid and student assistance programs. The bill mandates the creation of a systematic approach to awarding grants, promoting accountability among public institutions through regular reporting and financial audits. This could enhance the transparency of how state resources are allocated to support students pursuing higher education, encouraging institutions to collaborate more effectively with the Office of Higher Education to maximize resources available for students.

Summary

House Bill 7161 proposes the establishment of the Finish Line Grant program aimed at providing financial assistance to eligible full-time undergraduate students enrolled in public institutions of higher education. The bill allows for grants to cover the unpaid portion of students' institutional costs after financial aid is taken into account, ensuring that students who genuinely need financial support will receive assistance to complete their educational journey. The program is designed to alleviate financial burdens on students who have completed half the credit hours required for their degree programs.

Sentiment

The reception of HB 7161 appears to be predominantly positive among legislators and education advocates. Supporters view the bill as a crucial step toward increasing access to higher education, particularly for low-income students. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the sufficiency of funding for the grant program and the potential complexity of oversight for institutions managing the grants. Nonetheless, the overall sentiment leans towards acknowledging the need for financial support mechanisms in higher education.

Contention

A notable point of contention involves the adequacy of the state's appropriations to sustain the program in the long term. Critics have voiced concerns about the possibility of grants not being sustainable due to budget constraints or inadequate funding formulas. Additionally, while the bill aims to improve student outcomes, some stakeholders are wary of whether the proposed mentorship and counseling components could be effectively implemented without sufficient resources and support.