House passes bill to change lottery scholarships

By The Associated Press

Posted: February 18, 2013 at 2:19 p.m.

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LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas House has approved changes to the awards offered to college students through the state's lottery-funded scholarship program.

Lawmakers voted 69-21 on Monday to pass a measure that would create a tiered structure of awards for students that starts at $2,000 for freshmen at four-year colleges. The award would increase by $1,000 each year, capping at $5,000 for seniors.

Students who are enrolled full-time at two-year colleges would be eligible for a $2,000 scholarship each year. If approved, the changes would take affect for the school year that begins this fall.

Supporters say lottery funding can't sustain the current payout of $4,500 per year for university students and $2,250 for community college students.

Opponents say they're concerned the measure would drastically impact students' ability to afford college.

Read more in Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

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