NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Gov. Bill Haslam’s proposal to create a community college program for all high school graduates is a step closer to a full House vote.
The “Tennessee Promise” legislation advanced out of the House Education Committee on a voice vote Tuesday.
The proposal would cover a full ride at two-year schools for any high school graduate, at a cost of $34 million per year.
The measure was amended to change lottery scholarship amounts. Initially, the bill sought to lower the current $4,000 lottery scholarship amount at four-year colleges to $3,000 for freshmen and sophomores, but increase it to $5,000 for juniors and seniors.
The amended version makes the amount $3,500 for freshman and sophomores, and $4,500 for juniors and seniors.
The move is meant to encourage students to consider going to two-year colleges first.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.