The re-energize North Dakota scholarship; to provide an appropriation; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
Impact
If passed, SB2197 would make a significant impact on state laws regarding educational funding. The bill outlines a specific appropriation for scholarships, meaning it would allocate state funds to support students, thus enhancing accessibility to various educational programs. By implementing this scholarship, North Dakota aims to alleviate financial barriers for students, potentially increasing enrollment and retention rates in institutions of higher learning across the state.
Summary
SB2197, titled the 'Re-energize North Dakota Scholarship,' aims to provide funding for educational scholarships in the state of North Dakota. The bill proposes a financial appropriation to support students seeking higher education, emphasizing the importance of education in strengthening the workforce. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance educational opportunities and attract talent to the region, ultimately contributing to economic growth.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB2197 appears to be generally positive, with proponents arguing that it reflects a commitment to education and workforce development. Supporters believe that investing in scholarships is essential for cultivating a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the local economy. However, there is also caution expressed by some skeptics who question the sustainability of funding sources for such initiatives.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding SB2197 revolve around the source of funding and the prioritization of educational spending in the state budget. Some legislators express concerns about whether the proposed appropriation could adversely affect other critical areas of state funding. The debate reflects a broader discussion on fiscal responsibility and the best methods to support education without compromising other essential services.
The skilled workforce student loan repayment and scholarship programs, Native American scholarships, and the North Dakota scholarship; and to provide an appropriation.
A transfer of Bank of North Dakota profits to a water infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a report; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; to provide a retroactive effective date; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
Pharmacy benefits managers and prescription drug costs; to provide a penalty; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
Legacy fund definitions and the legacy earnings fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide an exemption; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
To create the Alabama Fits All Scholarship Program; require the State Board of Education to contract with a program manager to administer the program; to authorize the program manager to establish scholarship accounts on behalf of eligible students; to prohibit a program manager from accepting scholarship funds in certain circumstances; to require fiscal safeguards and accountability measures; to require eligible schools and service providers to meet certain standards to be eligible to receive scholarship funds; to authorize the program manager to distribute scholarship funds; to require the State Board of Education to provide limited oversight of the program manager, including an appeal process for the program manager's administrative decisions; to prohibit certain regulations of eligible schools and eligible service providers; to require criminal history background information checks for employees and officers of a program manager; to provide for program funding; and to require the program manager and the board to submit reports on the program to the Legislature.