Senate

Bill 1291
2016 Freedom Index Score (-1)
Analyst: Lindsay Russell Dexter
Date: February 24, 2016

ANALYSTS NOTE: Senate Bill 1239 would provide a scholarship to adults, who drop out of college for
three years or more, so they can return and complete their degrees.

Point No. 7: Does it increase government spending (for objectionable purposes) or debt? Conversely, does
it decrease government spending or debt?

ANALYSIS: The statement of purpose for Senate Bill 1291 indicates that adults who apply for the
scholarship may be eligible for $3,000 a year for up to four years. However, there is no place in
the actual bill language that includes the $3,000 provision and leaves the rulemaking for the
$3,000 provision to the State Department of Education. Senate Bill 1291 would cost the state $5
million in ongoing general fund appropriate. This significant allocation would increase state
education funding, which in turn would add to the growing list of factors that cause continual
post-secondary education tuition hikes. (-1)