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Minutes for SB336 - Committee on Education
Short Title
Creating the Kansas reinvest in postsecondary education act.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 13, 2020
Chairperson Baumgardner opened the hearing.
Senator Tom Holland stated that this bill is called the Kansas Re-invest in Postsecondary Education Act (RISE! Act). RISE! Is a “last dollar” program that provides a holistic and integrated framework for aligning students and those workers returning to school with high-skilled technical vocations. Senator Holland included in his testimony a flow chart entitled “A Holistic Approach to Workforce Development”.(Attachment 2) (Attachment 3)
Blake Flanders, President and CEO, Kansas Board of Regents, supported the bill by saying the Board is pleased the Legislature is considering an expansion of the state’s investment in student financial aid as Kansas has not kept pace with surrounding states. The Board of Regents sees this legislation as a complement to the need-based initiative Kansas Access Partnership. The state’s employers are struggling to locate qualified employees and the tight labor market is clearly impacting workforce recruitment. As state policymakers, you know that our citizens need an education beyond high school to greater extent than in our state’s history and our state’s employers need a qualified workforce. Our System is working to serve both goals.(Attachment 4)
Heather Morgan, Executive Director, Kansas Association Community College Trustees, explained that the RISE! Act is not just another scholarship program but will be a new innovative economic development tool addressing the most pressing challenge facing Kansas businesses, a skilled workforce shortage.
The Kansas RISE! Act will be a last dollar program which means it only kicks in after all federal financial aid (Pell grants) and other scholarships are applied to the cost of attendance. It targets three distinct groups of students:
- Kansas high school students immediately upon graduation or GED completion, Kansas resident adult students
- Kansas resident adult students who have graduated or completed their GED at least five years ago from a Kansas high school
- Kansas residents who were in the custody of the State of Kansas in the Kansas foster care system anytime between their 6th and 12th grade year.
In addition to these eligibility requirements, students must also be seeking to complete a technical education program or participate in a bridge program leading to a bachelor’s degree.
There are many details to be worked out to successfully implement this program including the question of the tuition waiver for foster children.(Attachment 5)
Jim Genandt, President, Kansas Technical Colleges, asked for support to make it possible for more technical college students to continue their higher education while minimizing the “stigma” often attached to technical education programs of study. More options for our students to have access to earn a Bachelor of Applied Technology or Applied Science would also help the state reach targets of educational attainment. The return on investment of the Kansas Technical Colleges is and has been very strong and meets our primary mission of workforce and economic development.(Attachment 6)
David Soffer, Legislative and Policy Director, Kansas Department of Commerce, gave neutral testimony saying there are multiple versions of this concept currently circulating the legislature and we are not experts in how to best implement this type of scholarship program. We would encourage the sponsors and the Committee to work with the many stakeholders on this issue so the best possible proposal can come about. This includes who is covered, how much each eligible recipient can receive and what is the total cost of the program.(Attachment 7)
Written Proponent testimony submitted by:
Jessica Lucas, Cowley College Government Affairs Liaison (Attachment 8)
Tanya Keys, Deputy Secretary, Kansas Department for Children and Families (Attachment 9)
Matt Lindsey, President, Kansas Independent College Association (Attachment 10)
Christopher Stanyer, Vice President of Career Services for Goodwill Industries of Kansas and Director of the NexStep Alliance Adult Education Program. (Attachment 11)
Senator Sykes asked if there is a way to expand Kansas Works or apprentice programs where students would receive a salary at the same time as the education? David Soffer said it is certainly possible and something to look at.
Senator Thompson asked if this would become extremely successful how would they monitor the job market and how do you divert students into more available opportunities? Senator Holland said that employers will be the industry drivers.
Senator Bollier asked if there is any requirement that the students stay in Kansas. Senator Baumgardner answered that there has been some discussion. It has not been determined yet how long that period should be.
Senator Bollier also asked if this is need based and where is the limit, the economic dividing line and what is the definition of "resident". Senator Holland replied yes. Senator Baumgardner replied there is a mandate that the Regents would be screening the students. Mr. Flanders responded that he would furnish the committee with the definite of "resident" as it is in statute and implemented through regulation. He also stated that it is costly to monitor whether a student remains in the state upon graduate and often if an employer across the state line hires a skilled person, it is advantageous for them to pay the skilled person's penalty in order to acquire a competent employee. He questioned whether it is it economically efficient to put that requirement in the bill.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:34.
The next scheduled meeting will be February 17, 2020.
