House Bill 626, a Work Ready Scholarship Program to provide free tuition for students attending the state’s community and technical colleges, passed the Kentucky House of Representatives on Thursday.
The legislation, sponsored by House Speaker Greg Stumbo, passed with a bipartisan vote of 86-11.
In the House version of the budget which passed Wednesday, funding for this scholarship program was included by using a pool of money set aside in Gov. Matt Bevin’s version of the budget. House Democrats have said they believe that is money that needs to be invested now.
Stumbo has explained that the program is estimated to cost $13 million in the first year and $20 million in the second year.
To qualify for this scholarship the student must be a high school graduate or getting a GED before the age of 19, qualify for in state tuition, enroll in KCTCS immediately after high school and other criteria laid out in the bill. Stumbo has also explained that the scholarship pays for either six semesters of school or until the student earns an associate degree or is four years removed from high school.
It now heads to the Senate to be heard in committee.
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