Bill To Change Louisiana TOPS Requirements Passes Out Of Committee

Last week the Senate Education Committee approved a bill that would change the way the State of Louisiana administers TOPS benefits for students. The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students was designed to help deserving students afford a higher education in one of Louisiana's state universities. Over the years the cost of funding TOPS has continued to grow and one legislator sees this legislation as the only way to keep the program alive.

Senator Jack Donahue has proposed a bill that would raise the minimum GPA from a 2.5 to a 2.75. The minimum ACT score would also be raised from 20 to 21.  Donahue feels these changes are needed to make sure that there is money available for the most deserving students.

"I think it will be great for the kids, to let them compete for the scholarships that are available.  I think, also, it will put some downward pressure on the amount of money that we spend in TOPS, which I think is a good thing also."

Donahue told the Louisiana Radio Network that the changes will not only be an incentive to students but the cost savings to the TOPS program will insure there will be money for more students in the future.