Tops Set To Change Requirements

Nearly a dozen bills have been filed by state lawmakers that would alter the TOPS scholarship program for Louisiana high school students who count on that money to help them gain their education. State Senator Blade Moorish from Jennings said he has filed the bills to help the state deal with the budget shortfall by changing the requirements students must meet to gain the financial help. The bills would change the mandatory ACT score from 20 to 21, the GPA minimum from 2.5 to 2.75 and would cap the money given out so no child got 100% of their tuition covered solely from TOPS. In a comment that will make most parents cringe, the Senator loftily declared that "Raising eligibility requirements will probably not keep anyone from getting TOPS because I believe students in this state will step up to the plate." (Well I guess they'll have to, won't they Mr. Confidant?)

Lawmakers are also considering making TOPS a student loan that drop outs have to pay back but which is forgiven if the student graduates.