FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5221

FULL VETO

BYSenate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Saling, Bauer, Patterson, Rinehart, Smitherman, Bailey, Lee, West and Warnke)

Establishing the advance college payment program.

Senate Committee on Higher Education and Committee on Ways & Means

House Committe on Higher Education

AS PASSED LEGISLATURE

BACKGROUND:

Tuition costs at state colleges and universities have tripled over the last ten years making it more difficult for families and students to afford higher education.  Nationally, charges have risen 113 percent at public colleges and 152 percent at private colleges between 1977-78 and 1987-88.  These increases surpassed the rise in the Consumer Price Index, which was about 85 percent during the same ten-year period.  Concern has been raised that financial aid has not kept pace with these increased costs.

SUMMARY:

The Higher Education Coordinating Board is required to study the feasibility of instituting an advance college payment program and to submit a report, including recommendations, to the Legislature by January 1, 1990.  Specific study items are enumerated and an appropriation is made to carry out the study.  The Higher Education Coordinating Board may seek assistance from public and private parties, provided state agencies shall fully cooperate within existing appropriations.

Appropriation:  $30,000

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   44    0

     House 97  0 (House amended)

     Senate          (Senate refused to concur)

     House           (House refused to recede)

Free Conference Committee

     House 97  0

     Senate   47    0

FULL VETO:  (See VETO MESSAGE)