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Spotlight on Higher Ed and Financial Aid
Higher education takes center stage this week at the Capitol, as lawmakers consider a range of proposals tied to how Louisiana invests in its students—and ultimately, its workforce. With major economic growth on the horizon, the conversation this session has increasingly focused on outcomes: aligning resources with high-demand careers, strengthening incentives for students to complete degrees and ensuring public dollars are driving real returns for the state.
These priorities reflect broader recommendations from LABI’s LA Driven Strategic Plan to modernize key programs like the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS)—including better alignment with workforce needs, stronger accountability for results and a more targeted approach to setting up college-bound students for success.
In that vein, LABI is watching multiple related measures up for discussion this week.
The House Education Committee will consider LA Driven-Approved HR 17 by Rep. Chris Turner (R-Ruston) that takes a big-picture look at one of Louisiana’s most significant higher education investments. The resolution directs the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center at the University of Louisiana Lafayette to study the state’s return on investment for TOPS. However, the resolution goes beyond examining the scholarship program.
At a time when billions in new investment and thousands of jobs are coming to the state—along with the thousands of unfilled jobs for current employers—Louisiana must ensure its education and workforce pipelines are aligned with high-wage, high-demand jobs. Currently, though, only about 40% of TOPS recipients return to their higher ed institution after their first year, raising serious concerns about whether the program is delivering lasting value for students, and in turn, the state.
TOPS represents a major taxpayer investment, but key questions remain unanswered: What degrees are being funded? Are they aligned with in-demand jobs and the skills they require? And are we equipping students to stay, work and succeed in Louisiana?
HR 17 aims to get those answers. By taking a detailed look at outcomes, this study will help ensure TOPS is not just a cost, but a benefit—one that strengthens our workforce, supports economic growth and delivers a stronger return for Louisiana.
Also before House Education Tuesday is HB 1058 by Rep. Dennis Bamburg (R-Bossier City), which takes a step toward greater transparency and accountability in how student aid dollars are used. This LA Driven-Approved bill requires the Board of Regents to establish and maintain a data system tracking TOPS usage.
By creating a clearer, more consistent picture of where these dollars are going—and how they’re supporting student progress—this measure would give stakeholders and policymakers the tools needed to better evaluate outcomes, identify gaps and ensure aid is aligned with both student success and Louisiana’s workforce needs.