Senate panel takes step toward repealing college financial aid law
A Texas Senate committee on Wednesday took the first step toward eliminating a state rule that requires universities to use a portion of their tuition revenue to fund scholarships and grants for poor students.
Republican Senate leadership has called the rule a hidden tax on students and made the rule's repeal a top higher education priority for 2017. But uncertainty remains over how much of an effect, if any, the change would have on universities' tuition costs and financial aid offerings.
Many university officials said Wednesday that they would continue to fund the program even if state law changes.
The Senate Higher Education Committee voted 4-2 to move forward Senate Bill 18, which would change the law. The legislation was filed by the committee's chairman, Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, and has strong support from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. If the bill passes the Senate, its future in the House is uncertain.
Read more: https://www.texastribune.org/2017/02/22/senate-panel-takes-step-toward-repealing-college-financial-aid-law/
