Creating a grant program to cover tuition and other educational expenses at public institutions of higher education, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

This bill creates a Wisconsin Promise Program, administered by the Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB), to provide grants to eligible students to cover tuition and other fees (tuition), along with housing and textbook costs as calculated by HEAB using a median per-student figure (other educational expenses), at any University of Wisconsin System institution or college campus, any technical college, or any tribal college in this state (collectively "public institution"). In general, a student is eligible for a grant under the program if the student: 1) is a resident enrolled at least half-time in a public institution; 2) has completed counseling explaining the program; and 3) signs an agreement that includes a promise to graduate with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 and a promise to be continuously employed, subject to certain grace periods, within this state for at least three years after graduation. The grant amount is the amount of the student's tuition and other educational expenses after other financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships has been applied, based on the tuition and expenses level in the student's first year of enrollment and extended for the greater of four semesters or 60 credits. However, with an exception, if a student who receives a grant fails to comply with the terms of the agreement described in item 3), above, the grant converts to a loan that must be repaid at an annual interest rate of 5 percent. HEAB must, by rule, provide for a hardship exception under which the student may obtain a waiver under which the grant is not converted to a loan as a result of the student's failure to comply with the terms of the agreement. HEAB must specify standards for the determination of hardship and a process for seeking a waiver from HEAB.

Who's behind it

5 senators are its authors⁠. All 5 are Democrats.

7 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

What it would cost

State agencies filed a cost estimate. Each opens as a PDF from the Legislature.

• Fiscal Estimate From HEAB