Rep. Mike Steele’s bill preventing scholarship-driven financial aid reduction signed into law
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Rep. Mike Steele’s bill preventing scholarship-driven financial aid reduction signed into law
A bill sponsored by Rep. Mike Steele that prevents scholarship displacement for college and university students taking part in state-sponsored financial aid was signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee today.
Scholarship displacement often eliminates the financial benefit of earning a private scholarship. It occurs when the student recipient of a private scholarship has a reduction in other forms of financial aid, such as college grants.
Under House Bill 1907, the Washington Student Achievement Council will work to ensure students receiving private scholarships get up to 100% of their unmet needs met before their federal, state, or institutional aid is reduced.
Rep. Mike Steele, R-Chelan, had this to say after the bill was signed by the governor:
“It’s exciting to see this bill get across the finish line. Students are often penalized for earning a private scholarship. Worse yet, those seeking to reduce the debt and burden on students are left wondering if their dollars are really helping. This bill changes that, ensuring students get the full benefit of the private scholarships they worked so hard to earn.”
House Bill 1907 was approved 95-1 in the House and 48-0 in the Senate.
The measure takes effect on June 8.
