Lawmakers choose small increase in financial aid
The leaders of Mississippi’s universities and community colleges had plans for a major overhaul of state-funded financial aid programs before the current legislative session. But lawmakers appear likely to adopt only a portion of the plan.
The Education Achievement Council recommended in September that lawmakers revamp Mississippi’s financial aid programs to make it easier for students to apply for financial aid and to give more money to poor students.
However, enacting all the changes that the group considered would cost a projected $77 million. The state is spending only $28 million this year.
Faced with that price tag, lawmakers are considering only a change that would cost an additional $3 million.
Hattiesburg American
2/16/14
