Mississippi Senate Bill SB2695

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Higher Education Legislative Plan; revise eligibility and repeal MTAG and Eminent Scholars Grant Program.

Impact

The bill, if enacted, would have a substantial impact on state laws regarding educational financial aid, specifically by eliminating two existing grant programs and consolidating support into the Higher Education Legislative Plan Grant Program. The proposed changes could reshape the landscape of financial aid for students and families seeking higher education in Mississippi. By heightening academic standards for eligibility, the state aims to encourage academic excellence while simultaneously extending financial support to those with established financial needs.

Summary

Senate Bill 2695 proposes significant changes to the structure of financial assistance for higher education in Mississippi. The bill repeals the Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant Program and the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant Program. It seeks to amend the existing eligibility criteria under the Higher Education Legislative Plan Grant Program by establishing a minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 3.0 for students seeking tuition assistance. The legislation also increases the income thresholds for eligibility to ensure that more students can access state aid based on their family's financial situation.

Contention

The notable points of contention surrounding SB2695 could stem from its repeal of existing grant programs, which may be viewed negatively by advocates for lower-income students who relied on these grants. Critics of the bill may argue that the new GPA requirement could disproportionately affect students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may struggle to maintain high academic standards due to various factors. Additionally, the changes to income thresholds could raise questions about whether the state is doing enough to support economically vulnerable populations seeking higher education.