TOPS proposal to use gambling revenue for funding sparks concerns — then is shelved – The Advocate

A plan to use riverboat gambling revenue to offset any shortfall in state aid for TOPS sputtered and was shelved Tuesday in a House committee.

State Rep. Franklin Foil, R-Baton Rouge, sponsor of the bill, withdrew his proposal after it sparked questions and concerns.

TOPS stands for Taylor Opportunity Program for Students.

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A bill that would require TOPS recipients who leave the state to repay some of their assista

It finances college tuition, and in some cases other costs, for students who meet academic guidelines.

About 50,000 students get the assistance.

However, the program faces a shortage of about $80 million for the 2017-18 college year, and was underfunded for the 2016-17 school year.

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In a bipartisan but controversial push, two state lawmakers have filed bills that would make

Foil proposed using riverboat gambling dollars to offset any shortages.

The Republican said lots of his constituents already think gambling proceeds are used for education.

However, Foil said only 25 percent of riverboat revenue goes for education while 65 percent is earmarked for the state general fund, which finances a wide range of services.

"I believe we have an obligation that, if the students meet the requirements, the program should be funded," he said of TOPS.

State Rep. Patricia Smith, D-Baton Rouge, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, noted that TOPS would be fully funded under the operating budget approved last week by the state House.

Whether that plan will be changed when the Senate comes up with its own budget proposal is unclear.

Smith also said riverboat gambling money has slipped in recent years.

Others noted Foil's bill would mean less money for other state services amid recurring financial problems.

Rep. Walt Leger III, D-New Orleans, another committee member, said while he appreciated Foil's goals he planned to offer an amendment to instead direct some gambling money to the state Board of Regents for a wide range of higher education needs.

State aid for colleges and universities has been cut by about $700 million in the past seven years.

Leger's comments caused Foil to say he would voluntarily defer his bill, which means it is likely dead for the session.

"I understand the concerns of the committee," he said.

The legislation is House Bill 91.

Foil is one of two sponsors of bills set for hearings on Wednesday.

Both would increase the GPA needed for students to qualify for TOPS.

Follow Will Sentell on Twitter, @WillSentell.

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TOPS proposal to use gambling revenue for funding sparks concerns -- then is shelved - The Advocate