Wisconsin Senate Bill SB380

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/9/23
• Refer: 8/9/23
• Report Pass: 9/7/23
• Refer: 9/12/23
• Engrossed: 9/14/23
• Refer: 11/7/23
• Enrolled: 11/16/23
• Chaptered: 12/7/23
• Passed: 12/7/23

Caption

Wisconsin grants and other financial aid for higher education. (FE)

Impact

The implementation of SB 380 will amend existing laws related to financial aid programs, particularly focusing on grants for college students. Notably, it seeks to repeal previous restrictions that limited the awarding of grants mainly to students with specific circumstances. By expanding eligibility and increasing grant amounts up to a possible $1,000 per academic year, the bill is designed to enhance accessibility to financial aid. It also allows for financial aid to be more responsive to students' needs by adjusting criteria to ensure that support aligns with contemporary challenges faced by students.

Summary

Senate Bill 380 introduces significant changes to Wisconsin's financial aid system for higher education. It aims to streamline the granting process, amend current eligibility criteria, and specify financial provisions for students. The bill establishes criteria for determining financial need based on federal standards and aims to provide greater support to students facing financial emergencies. This change is seen as a response to the growing need for accessible financial aid amongst students pursuing higher education in Wisconsin.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment towards SB 380 appears positive among supporters who view it as a necessary update to ensure that higher education remains accessible to all students, particularly those in financial need. Advocates believe that broadening the scope of financial aid will help retain students in the Wisconsin educational system and reduce dropout rates due to financial constraints. However, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of funds to meet the anticipated increase in demand for grants, and whether institutions will be able to efficiently manage the new processes outlined in the bill.

Contention

Some points of contention may arise around the allocation of funding and whether the provisions outlined in the bill are sufficient to meet the needs of students effectively. Critics might argue that increasing grant funds does not necessarily address underlying issues such as rising tuition costs and the socioeconomic barriers that impact student access to education. Additionally, there is the challenge of ensuring that the administrative processes set forth in SB 380 align with the capabilities and resources of Wisconsin colleges and universities.