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| OK, let's be real here, not ALL Texans. |
It makes perfect fiscal sense but for those who will be left without college money, it won't hurt any less. In a budget-cutting year, there is less TEXAS grant money being allocated for needy students throughout the Lone Star state. With limited resoures, those applicants who can show not only need but also academic success upon graduating from highschool will get preference.
In the past, grants were given on a first-come, first-served basis. A high percentage of students who were awarded money would drop out of college during the first or second year. The new strategy is that, at least now, those getting the grants will have a more reasonable chance of staying in college long enough to graduate.
Laredo state senator Judith Zaffirini was the bill's author. A couple of months ago,
Laredotejas had a post about what was then a proposed law, now it's official.
From The San Antonio Express News
The state Senate passed a measure Wednesday to raise the academic bar when awarding TEXAS grants, the state's need-based financial aid program. Students must be financially needy to qualify, but those with a strong academic record will be first in line to receive the money under the proposed legislation.
As it is now, the grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and there never is enough money to go around. Budget proposals would slash TEXAS grants by 41 percent over the next two years, ensuring the shortage will worsen.
Because academically prepared students graduate at higher rates, supporters said, the bill would give Texas more bang for its limited buck. “We have worked on access, now we are focusing on success,” the bill's author, State Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, said of the measure, which passed 24-7
Opponents, however, are concerned the bill would shut out minority students.
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