Oklahoma State Senate
Senator Mike Morgan
President Pro Tempore
Senate District 21
Lincoln, Logan & Payne Counties

For Immediate Release: February 28, 2006

Senate Approves OHLAP Expansion

Democratic leaders Tuesday won approval by the full State Senate of an important middle-class expansion of the state’s successful merit-based scholarship program.

“We believe Oklahomans want us to focus this year on more than just the next election and turn our attention to the next generation. We’ve done that in the Senate by sending this important investment in Oklahoma’s future to the House in the first month of the legislative session and we hope our colleagues across the rotunda will work quickly to send this measure on to Governor Henry,” Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan said.

Senate Bill 1993 raises the maximum income eligibility level to $75,000 for the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, which pays college scholarships to students who complete a college preparatory curriculum, make good grades and stay out of trouble during high school.

“OHLAP promotes greater personal responsibility and accountability among students and it rewards those who are willing to work hard and play by the rules,” Morgan said.

Expansion of OHLAP will offer more educational opportunities to Oklahoma’s middle class by making 75 percent of the high school students in Oklahoma eligible to seek a scholarship.

SB 1993 now goes to the House for consideration.

For more information contact:
Senate President Pro Tem's Office - (405) 521-5605