An Act to repeal 36.27 (3n) (bm) 2., 36.27 (3p) (bm) 2., 38.24 (7) (bm) 2., 38.24 (8) (bm) 2. and 39.50 (3m); to renumber 36.27 (3n) (bm) 1., 38.24 (7) (bm) 1. and 38.24 (8) (bm) 1.; to amend 20.235 (1) (fz), 36.27 (3n) (c), 36.27 (3p) (c), 38.24 (7) (c), 38.24 (8) (c), 39.50 (1), 39.50 (2) and 39.50 (4) of the statutes; Relating to: remission of fees for veterans and their dependents enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System or in a technical college and making an appropriation. (FE)
Impact
The implications of SB587 are significant for state budget planning concerning higher education funding. By removing the limitations associated with insufficient funds under the existing system and ensuring a sum sufficient allocation, the bill will likely provide a more predictable and stable framework for financing education costs for veterans. This change could alleviate prior issues where funding limitations led to prorated reimbursements, possibly affecting the financial aid available to veterans and their families.
Summary
Senate Bill 587 aims to enhance the financial support for veterans and their dependents pursuing higher education in the University of Wisconsin System and technical colleges by revising the current tuition remission program. Currently, eligible veterans can receive tuition and fee remission for a specific number of credits or semesters, but this bill proposes a transition from a sum certain appropriation to a sum sufficient appropriation. This shift would effectively ensure that the appropriated funds are adequate to fully cover the estimated costs of these remissions for eligible students.
Contention
While SB587 generally enjoys broad support, particularly among sponsors, there may be concerns related to the increased financial commitment required from the state to sustain this funding model. The transition to a sum sufficient appropriation means that state legislators will have to consistently allocate sufficient funds to meet the demands of the tuition remission program, which can be controversial in discussions about budget allocation priorities. Stakeholders in higher education may advocate for the bill for its positive impact on support for veterans, while fiscal conservatives might emphasize the long-term sustainable funding implications that this bill might necessitate.
Crossfiled
An Act to repeal 36.27 (3n) (bm) 2., 36.27 (3p) (bm) 2., 38.24 (7) (bm) 2., 38.24 (8) (bm) 2. and 39.50 (3m); to renumber 36.27 (3n) (bm) 1., 38.24 (7) (bm) 1. and 38.24 (8) (bm) 1.; to amend 20.235 (1) (fz), 36.27 (3n) (c), 36.27 (3p) (c), 38.24 (7) (c), 38.24 (8) (c), 39.50 (1), 39.50 (2) and 39.50 (4) of the statutes; Relating to: remission of fees for veterans and their dependents enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System or in a technical college and making an appropriation. (FE)