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1998 Session

Budget Amendments - HB30 (Committee Approved)

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Shortfall in TAG Appropriation

Item 158 #2h

Item 158 #2h

First Year - FY1999 Second Year - FY2000
Education: Higher Education
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia FY1999 $1,367,600 FY2000 $1,367,600 GF

Language
Page 122, line 22, strike "$39,998,090" and insert "$41,365,690".
Page 122, line 22, strike "$39,989,090" and insert "$41,356,690".
Page 122, line 52 strike "$33,800,000" and insert "$35,167,600".
Page 123, line 1, strike "$33,800,000" and insert "$35,167,600".
Page 123, strike lines 27 through 31, and insert:
"State Council of Higher Education for inclusion in pro rata distributions to the need-based undergraduate financial aid programs of the public institutions of higher education.  However, no part of the amounts appropriated for tuition assistance grants shall revert to the State Council until all qualified students who apply have received grants of $2,600 the first year and $2,600 the second year."
Page 123, line 49, after "program." , insert:
"The information provided to students and their parents must include information about the eligibility requirements, the application procedures, and the fact that the amount of the award is variable.  The number of students applying for participation and the funds appropriated for the program determines the amount of the award.  Conditions for reduction of award amount and award eligibility are described in this item and in the regulations issued by the State Council of Higher Education."


Explanation
(This amendment provides additional funds to cover a possible increase in the number of Virginia students who may be eligible in fiscal years 1999 and 2000 for the $2,600 Tuition Assistance Grant proposed in House Bill 30, as introduced. The Governor's proposed budget assumed that 13,000 students would be eligible in fiscal years 1999 and 2000. However, the enrollment estimate for fiscal year 1998 is 13,260. This amendment reflects an increase of 2 percent over the fiscal year 1998 level, or an enrollment level of 13,526 in each of year of the next biennium. The amendment also states that any surplus in the TAG appropriation after eligible students have received $2,600 shall be distributed among the need-based financial aid programs of the public institutions of higher education. Currently, the surplus reverts to the general fund. Instructions are also provided on how the private colleges should inform students and parents about the TAG program.)