Changing TOPS isn’t legislative priority

The American Press

<p class="p1">A number of bills dealing with the TOPS scholarship program have been filed during the current legislative session, and none have made it completely through the lawmaking process. Whether any will seems questionable at this point.</p><p class="p3">One measure calling for repayment of the award under certain circumstances cleared the House Education Committee, but is awaiting action in the House Appropriations Committee. Another creating the TOPS Income Fund hasn’t been heard by the Appropriations Committee.</p><p class="p3">The House Education Committee hasn’t heard a measure creating a system on how to make the awards when there is insufficient funding. The House killed a TOPS bill setting up a TOPS Transfer Award at two post secondary education levels. The author didn’t bring up a second TOPS measure.</p><p class="p3">A Senate bill providing for a rebate for TOPS recipients who complete a baccalaureate degree in three years never left the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee. The same is true for a measure dedicating excess gaming revenues to the TOPS program that never got out of the Senate Finance Committee.</p><p class="p3">The Senate approved a TOPS Second Chance Award for students who didn’t qualify for TOPS after finishing high school but scored at least a 17 on the ACT test. It is still in the House Education Committee.</p><p class="p3">Senators also approved a TOPS-Tech 2Plus2 Award for community college students who plan to attend a four-year institution. It is also awaiting action in the House Education Committee.</p><p class="p3">The Senate Education Committee with a 4-3 vote rejected a measure limiting the tuition money available to lower-performing students. It provided for a flat $4,000 annual payment. Higher-performing students would have had increased payments.</p><p class="p3">Funding for TOPS scholarships became a problem two years ago when the awards were reduced with parents and students having to pay the difference in tuition. The program was fully funded for the current fiscal year.</p><p class="p3">The proposed budget for fiscal year 2018-19 that begins July 1 fully funded TOPS, but the appropriation was reduced by 20 percent by the full House to provide funds for other programs. The budget bill is awaiting action in the Senate, and it is expected efforts will be made to restore TOPS to full funding.</p>

SportsPlus

Crime

11/13: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

life

Mistletoe & Moss back with a new look

Local News

Leesville High grad to lead US Army in the Pacific

Local News

School Board puts bus decisions back in hands of transportation department

life

Habibi Shriners Circus is high-flying motor thrill fest

Local News

Speaker Mike Johnson wins GOP nomination to remain in job, faces full House vote in new year

Crime

Death of two women at Topsy Road home under investigation

McNeese Sports

Know your foe: Demons struggle to rebuild

life

Smoke & Barrel: Aged since 2018 with character aplenty

life

Bingo With a Purpose: Seniors have fun, learn about abuse prevention

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column: Ending tax breaks is tough

Local News

McNeese awarded $2.2M grant to offer resources, tutoring, peer support to students

Local News

Allen school employees in line for two supplement pay increases

Crime

LC man arrested during joint undercover operation targeting online offenders

Local News

Judge delays ruling on whether to scrap Trump’s conviction in hush money case

Crime

11/12: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Speaker Mike Johnson says Republicans are ‘ready to deliver’ on Trump’s agenda

Business

Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business

Local News

Federal judge blocks La. law that requires classrooms to display Ten Commandments

McNeese Sports

Running in high gear

Local News

Will Trump’s hush money conviction be upheld? Judge will rule today

McNeese Sports

Upset dreams fall short

Local News

Cold front, accompanying showers headed to SW La. Wednesday

Crime

LC man sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking, firearms crimes