Louisiana Senate Bill SSR3

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

Caption

Requests the Senate Committee on Finance to study the feasibility of selling the naming rights for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students.

Impact

The potential impact of SSR3 lies in its aim to create an additional revenue stream for the TOPS program, which has a considerable cost associated with providing scholarships to Louisiana students. With over 52,000 students projected to qualify for TOPS at a projected cost of $250 million for the upcoming school year, while only receiving $235 million in funding from the state budget, this bill could play a crucial role in ensuring that educational resources are adequately funded. By exploring alternative funding methods, SSR3 could help stabilize and potentially expand the reach of the TOPS program.

Summary

Senate Study Request No. 3 (SSR3) requests the Senate Committee on Finance to explore the feasibility of selling naming rights for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS). This approach is inspired by practices in other states where naming rights have resulted in significant financial benefits for educational and public institutions. The proposal hinges on the notion that monetizing the visibility of the TOPS program could supplement its funding and alleviate financial pressures faced by the state in supporting education initiatives.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SSR3 appears to align with a proactive approach to funding education amidst budget constraints. It is generally supported as a creative solution to a pressing challenge in Louisiana's educational landscape. However, there may be a degree of skepticism regarding the practicality and ethical implications of selling naming rights in education, which could provoke differing opinions among stakeholders in the education sector.

Contention

Notable points of contention might arise from concerns about commercialization in education. Critics may argue that selling naming rights could detract from the program's mission and the values associated with public education. There could be discussions around the appropriateness of branding and sponsorship at academic institutions, especially regarding programs as significant as TOPS, which is designed to support student access to higher education.