Oklahoma
State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
For Immediate Release: February 26, 2009
Sen. David Myers
Senate Approves Bill Modifying OHLAP Income Eligibility
More Oklahoma students could qualify for the Oklahoma
Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP) under legislation approved
Thursday by the Senate. SB 354, by Sen. David
Myers, would modify the state tuition program by allowing
the income requirement to be based on a family’s yearly
salary or a three-year average.
"Unfortunately, we don't have the funding this year to increase
the income eligibility requirements, but we can help more students
qualify or stay in the program by making this small change,"
said Myers, R-Ponca City. "We have many families whose annual
incomes are so close to the $50,000 a year income cap that if
they have a better than normal year and make over that amount,
their child is kicked out of the program. Allowing for a three-year
average would help keep more of our students in the program."
Myers explained that an amount as small as last year's tax rebate
check has put families over the limit and made their children
ineligible.
Currently, students of families with annual incomes of $50,000
or less are eligible for the program. Under Myers' bill, the income
level would still have to be below $50,000 but could be based
on a three-year average.
"This provides families with a little cushion if they're
close to the cutoff," said Myers. "It's unfair to punish
students by taking away this incredible opportunity because their
parents made a little more than normal one year. This bill will
fix this problem and help ensure that more of our students can
obtain their dream of a higher education."
SB 354 now moves to the House for further consideration.
For more information contact:
Sen. Myers' Office: 405-521-5628
