TICUA Policy Update

May 6, 2005

Lottery Scholarship Bills Go Different Directions

In a surprising move this past week the House Higher Education Subcommittee changed sponsors of the primary lottery scholarship bill.  By taking Representative Chris Newton’s bill off notice HB1531 sponsored by House Education Chair Les Winningham became the House’s lottery scholarship omnibus bill.  The Senate version of the Winningham bill is sponsored by Senator Randy McNally.

There are many differences between the Senate and the House versions of the lottery scholarship bills.  Put simply, the House version seeks to make more students eligible for the programs by changing eligibility and renewal requirements, while the Senate versions focuses on increasing the dollar amounts of the scholarships.  There are many details of each bill that are in agreement, but the larger fiscal notes center around the primary differences.

Both the Senate and House Education Committee’s moved their bills to their respective Finance, Ways, and Means Committees.  The goal is to get the bills to through the chambers and then into conference committee.

Lottery ACTION ALERT

There is some speculation that NOTHING will be done to enhance the lottery scholarships for the upcoming year.  Although there are some merits to allowing the program to mature before making major changes, it is critical that SOMETHING be done each year in order to keep the focus on the scholarship program.  We need to keep the political momentum going to continue focus on enhancing the lottery scholarships to maintain the purchasing power of the scholarship.

The Lottery Scholarship Alert has been re-posted on the TICUA Action Center.  Please encourage your students and parents who have benefited from the lottery scholarships to take advantage of  the Action Center’s ease of writing their elected officials about the importance of the scholarship program. 

TAKE ACTION TODAY!  http://capwiz.com/ticua/state/main/?state=TN

Sexual Assault Notification

The Tennessee House passed HB1542/SB0811 which removes the requirement of campus security to report a sexual assault occurring on campus if the victim does not give consent to the reporting.  Campuses will be required to provide victims with information concerning sexual assault programs and counseling in the area.  These programs will be required to report annually the number of persons seeking such assistance by January 31.  The bill arose in an effort to protect victims of sexual assaults and to remove barriers for victims seeking help.

The bill also requires the reporting of medically unattended deaths on campus.  If a death occurs, the local law enforcement will lead in the investigation.  If a rape occurs and the victim gives reporting consent, the campus security will lead in the investigation.

P-16 Reorganizes

Over the past year the Tennessee Board of Regents has taken the lead in assisting local educators, business persons, and government officials to organize local P-16 councils.  Many TICUA member institutions are participating in these local councils.  The broad purposes of the councils are improve education at the local level and seek to remove barriers for students in moving through the pre-kindergarten to college pipeline.

Over the past year the Tennessee Board of Regents has taken the lead in assisting local educators, business persons, and government officials to organize local P-16 councils.  Many TICUA member institutions are participating in these local councils.  The broad purposes of the councils are improve education at the local level and seek to remove barriers for students in moving through the pre-kindergarten to college pipeline.