BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Several bills moving through the Legislature could change how much parents and students pay for college tuition in Louisiana, and one LSU student government wants to be part of those discussions. thinking.
Lila Williams, vice chair of the LSU Student Government and Civics Committee, founded the group this semester to serve as a liaison between students and state legislators.
“It's been a really, really interesting experience looking at the specific types of policies that have emerged, especially right after the recent election,” Williams said.
One of the policies she's talking about is House Bill 452, which the House Education Committee recently approved. The bill would eliminate her TOPS technology award within her four years and replace it with a needs-based grant program.
“Eliminating technical TOPS, especially degrees that are seen as a shortcut to highly industrial careers, would reduce the brain drain that exists in Louisiana, the number of people seeking industrial opportunities in neighboring states.” “That seems a little counterintuitive,” Williams said.
Another bill that could impact tuition is House Bill 862. It allows universities to increase tuition and fees for expensive degrees, such as graduate programs and engineering programs.
“I think it all feels a little bit jarring for you to understand as a student, especially from a communication standpoint,” Williams said. “What does this mean for educational placements, especially degrees with a greater focus on STEM and science?”
Williams wonders if such a bill would deter potential students from choosing LSU.
“Staying in-state may not be as financially viable a decision as it once was, so in-state students who are finishing their senior year are going elsewhere and pursuing this type of STEM. Will it encourage people to get a degree?'' Williams said.
With these two proposals and many others already under discussion, the Citizens Committee is working to give students a say in these decisions by requesting a sit-down conversation with state legislators. I'm here.
“If you're writing a bill or presenting a policy that directly impacts student life, and you haven't been a student in a while, make an active effort to engage with the student body about what you really want to do.” You may have an obligation to do something. Get it done,” Williams said.
Williams said she understands that lawmakers are very busy right now, but she wants students to have a seat at the table while these decisions are being made.
Lawmakers are scheduled to consider the TOPS bill on Monday, and the House Education Committee is scheduled to consider the tuition bill on Tuesday.
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