Authorizes public or private entities to make certain donations to various educational institutions for recipients of TOPS Awards or GO Grants. (7/1/14) (EN DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Impact
The implementation of SB 655 is expected to maintain the financial stability of both the Louisiana GO Grant program and the TOPS program. By allowing private entities to establish scholarship programs that complement these state aid programs, the bill aims to expand the pool of financial resources available to students. However, it also stipulates that any private funds received will reduce the amount of state funding allocated to these awards, creating an interdependent relationship between state and private contributions towards funding education in Louisiana.
Summary
Senate Bill 655, sponsored by Senator Buffington, aims to authorize public and private entities to make directed donations to various educational institutions for recipients of TOPS awards or GO Grants. The bill amends and reenacts existing laws related to financial assistance for students and introduces provisions for creating private scholarship programs. It recognizes the growth of the Louisiana GO Grant program and seeks to enhance financial assistance for students, particularly those with demonstrated financial need, thereby promoting equal access to higher education in Louisiana.
Sentiment
The reception of SB 655 has largely been positive among its supporters, who argue that it will facilitate greater access to educational funding and provide essential support to low-income students. However, there are concerns regarding the potential implications of reducing state funding in the face of increased private donations. Critics fear this could lead to dependency on fluctuating private sources of funding while undermining the state's commitment to providing adequate educational funding through established programs.
Contention
One notable point of contention revolves around the bill's mechanism for how private scholarship funds will affect state grants. Critics argue that this could inadvertently limit the benefits of grants for students who receive private funding, as the intended financial assistance might not reach its full potential. There is a concern that the reliance on private entities for educational funding could create disparities, potentially disadvantaging certain groups of students if private donations do not cover the gaps left by reduced state funding.
Authorizes public or private entities to make certain donations to various participating schools for recipients of student scholarship programs. (7/1/14) (EN DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Authorizes public or private entities to make certain donations to participating school systems for children enrolled in the Cecil J. Picard LA 4 Early Childhood Program classes. (7/1/14) (EN DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Places certain residency and program of study requirements on Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) award recipients and authorizes use of TOPS awards for postgraduate study in certain circumstances (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Places certain residency and program of study requirements on Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) award recipients and authorizes use of TOPS awards for postgraduate study in certain circumstances
Revises academic requirements for initial eligibility to receive certain TOPS awards and allocates additional funding to the La. GO Grant program. (gov sig) (EG -$24,000,000 GF EX See Note)
Creates the Louisiana National Guard Patriot Scholarship Program to cover the cost of mandatory fees for members attending La. public postsecondary education institutions (EG INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Directs BESE to submit a report relative to the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program to the legislature and the governor prior to the 2012 R.S.
Concerning Tulane University scholarships for students nominated by legislators, provides relative to requirements, procedures, limitations, and publication of information