The popular TOPS scholarship program could face some significant changes or the cementing of the status quo after a task force bill easily passed the House Education Committee Wednesday on its way to the House floor.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 110, by Sen. Blade Morrish, R-Jennings, would create a 10-person legislative task force to review changes in tuition and fees, program costs and program coverage. Morrish said TOPS has ballooned from a $35 million program to one that costs $300 million in the 20 years since its inception. The program is due for review, he said.
Rep. Chris Broadwater, R-Hammond, commended Morrish for trying to focus legislative attention on a holistic solution rather than taking an annual “scattergun” approach to improving the program.