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Committee hears bill to expand tuition-equalization grants to specific nursing programs
Summary
Representatives discussed a bill to allow tuition-equalization grant funds for certain Georgia nursing programs (including Chamberlain University locations that meet eligibility criteria); the hearing included operating criteria, program limits and an estimated maximum cost of about $750,000.
Representative Dempsey presented a substitute to allow tuition-equalization grant money to be used for narrowly specified nursing programs operating in Georgia. She described the measure as a targeted change intended to support second- and third-career nursing programs and increase nursing workforce capacity.
Dempsey said the measure is “very specific,” requiring that eligible programs be bricks-and-mortar in Georgia for at least 10 years and not be housed out of another state. She said institutions funded under the change would not be eligible for HOPE, Zell Miller, or dual enrollment for the same students; the grant money in question would allow tuition-equalization funds to support programs that help students enter the nursing workforce.
Dempsey cited recent exam-seat counts as evidence of program output: “Chamberlain University sat the most nursing students in Georgia for the nursing exam. They sat 426 nurses that would then be propelled into our nursing workforce. The second was Emory who had 334.” She also estimated an approximate maximum budget impact of “approximately $750,000” to support the change.
The measure was presented for a first hearing; committee members asked clarifying questions and the presenter said the committee would look to have the sponsor return for a later hearing. Robert Aycock of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators and other stakeholders were in attendance and thanked lawmakers for the substitute language during the meeting.
