Good, bad news for TOPS

There is good news and bad news when it comes to TOPS next semester for college students.
The Louisiana Legislature on Thursday passed a budget for the upcoming school year that does not fully fund the $300 million Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS). The state is funding the program at 70 percent, meaning families will end up covering the out-of-pocket difference.
The final budget deal struck by lawmakers took a lopsided approach to the TOPS program, giving college students full tuition funding for the fall semester and only 42 percent financing for the spring.
Gov. John Bel Edwards opposed the move pushed by House Republicans and could veto it, while higher education leaders were trying to determine how it would work logistically.
“I personally think we should have left TOPs at 80 percent like we had it funded as it left the appropriations committee,” said Rep. Bob Hensgens of Vermilion Parish. “Instead, the Administration used the program as a political football hoping conservative voters would ask us to raise taxes to full fund it At 70 percent funded there will be a large out of pocket to kids we made a promise of free tuition. I think front loading the money to fully fund the first semester is smart it gives us and the kids 6 months to find other means.”
House leaders pushed for the front-loading of TOPS, saying they were hopeful the state could bring in more money than estimated from tax bills passed since March. If no new money arrives, House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry said the delay for the cut would give students and parents more time to prepare.
Senate leaders suggested they didn’t support the approach but approved it as part of a budget compromise.