Leave TOPS Alone – New Survey Shows Voters Don’t Want A Change

As thousands of students walk across hundreds of stages over the coming weeks to accept a high school diploma there is still a burning question. How are we going to pay for college? That question had been answered quite nicely for Louisiana students who have done well in school and stayed on track in their education. TOPS,  the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, was there to help families of all income brackets pay for college. Now that program and the opportunity it offers is in jeopardy.

The Louisiana Legislature in its mad scramble to reduce a budget deficit of $1.6 billion dollars has once again looked to take from Louisiana's best and brightest by putting a cap on the amount of funds available for TOPS. Louisiana voters in a recent survey said they are against that legislation.

It's a very popular program with voters in Louisiana.  Whether there's a budget deficit or not, most voters in this survey do not believe we don't have enough money to pay for TOPS.

Those are the words of pollster Bernie Pinsonat as reported by the Louisiana Radio Network.  His Southern Media Research and Opinion organization did a survey of voters concerning the changes proposed to the TOPS program.

The Louisiana Senate has already voted to limit the amount money awarded to students who qualify for TOPS. That legislation is now being debated in the House. It's up to voters to voice their opinions to their representatives right now. If you think letting Louisiana's smartest kids twist in the breeze is a good idea then do nothing. If you want our children to have the best opportunity to make our state better then take action now.

The Legislature says the program is too expensive and it cost too much money.

Two-thirds disagree with that.  I guess they're saying go find the money, we like TOPS.  Whatever you have to do, fund it.