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Senate passes Cesar Chavez scholarship bill; program would rely on federal funds
Summary
The Senate approved SB 40, which establishes the Cesar Chavez Scholarship Program and seeks federal funding to be routed through UCOPE; eligibility was described as families under 200% of poverty (example: family of four under $55,000).
The Utah Senate approved Senate Bill 40 on 2004-02-17, a measure to create the Cesar Chavez Scholarship Program. Sponsor Sen. James Evans told colleagues the bill carries a zero fiscal note to the state because federal funds would finance the scholarships and UCOPE would act as the repository and pass-through for appropriations.
Evans said the U.S. Department of Education has expressed support and that the state’s congressional delegation sent a letter seeking Department funding. He described eligibility as open to students of any ethnic background whose families make below 200% of poverty (he cited a family-of-four threshold of about $55,000). Evans said funds could be used at any Utah postsecondary institution, public or private.
After brief discussion, Sen. Evans moved that SB 40 pass. The clerk recorded the vote as 24 aye votes, no nay votes and one absence; the bill was referred to the House for further consideration.
Senate statements emphasized the program’s federal funding design and the sponsor’s outreach to the Department of Education and the congressional delegation.
