Connecticut House Bill HB05137

Connecticut 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/22
• Refer: 2/16/22
• Report Pass: 3/17/22
• Refer: 3/25/22
• Report Pass: 3/31/22

Caption

An Act Studying And Funding The Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program.

Impact

If passed, the bill would improve the structure of the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program by focusing on need-based financial aid, thereby promoting greater access to postsecondary education for residents. The proposed changes would eliminate the necessity for an additional application process for students who complete the Federal Student Aid application, making the scholarship more accessible. By ensuring that institutions are aware of eligibility criteria ahead of time, the bill seeks to streamline the process for students and educational institutions alike.

Summary

House Bill 05137 aims to study and provide funding for the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program, which is designed to increase access to higher education for Connecticut residents. The bill mandates the Chief Workforce Officer and the Executive Director of the Office of Higher Education to issue a request for proposals from a national organization that specializes in financial aid programs. The key objective is to propose changes that will enhance the effectiveness of the scholarship program and ensure that it meets the needs of students in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 05137 appears to be positive, with support from various stakeholders in the educational community who view the restructuring of the scholarship program as a beneficial move towards enhancing educational opportunities. Lawmakers expressed a commitment to improving access to education, particularly in a landscape where financial aid can significantly impact students' ability to attend college or university.

Contention

Some points of contention likely arose during discussions about the bill's implementation and the adequacy of funding. Stakeholders may have differing opinions on how effectively the proposed measures will address current gaps in financial assistance for students, especially regarding the inclusion of private occupational schools and ensuring equitable access for all eligible students. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding the budgetary impacts of the appropriation of over thirty-three million dollars allocated for these initiatives.