STATEHOUSE (Jan. 30, 2017) – The House of Representatives voted unanimously today in support of State Rep. Todd Huston’s (R-Fishers) proposal that would make reforms to the state’s financial aid programs for struggling higher education students, particularly those who attended post-secondary institutions that have recently closed.
Huston, co-author of the measure, said with the abrupt closing of some universities, it is imperative to enact measures to protect the students who have opted to further their education.
With the support of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, House Bill 1281 would provide the state more flexibility when handling the individual cases of Hoosier adult students impacted by the recent closing of post-secondary institutions, such as ITT Tech and Medtech College late last year. These students would have their eligibility for financial aid restored in order to complete or renew their studies at another institution.
“By giving these students stuck in an unfortunate situation an incentive to continue their education at a different university while allowing them to keep their state financial aid, we are not only helping them accomplish a goal they have set, but also awarding college credit for prior learning,” Huston said. “These students who were abandoned during their education need somewhere to gather their footing, while not losing the progress they have already made.”
Additionally, Huston said the legislation would offer more incentives and opportunities for low-income students to participate in state grant and scholarship programs.
The proposal now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
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State Rep. Todd Huston (R-Fishers) represents House District 37,
which includes portions of Hamilton County.
A high-resolution photo of Huston can be downloaded by clicking here.
