INDIANAPOLIS – A bill authored by State. Sen Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) that would help Indiana students obtain financial aid for higher education passed the Senate on Tuesday by a vote of 43-3. Senate Bill 167 would require all high school students, with exceptions, to submit the FAFSA during their senior year to help them see what post-secondary education opportunities are available.
According to the Indiana College Readiness Report 2022, the state’s college-going rate has gradually decreased from 65% to 53% since 2015. Additionally, the Hoosier state currently ranks 38th in the nation with only 32.6% of FAFSA applications received so far.
“There are thousands of dollars and many opportunities waiting to be claimed by eligible students who have not yet applied for FAFSA,” Leising said. “I hope this bill passes so all students, even those who don’t see higher education in their future, see what options and funding are available to them.”
SB 167 would not require students to file if a parent signs a waiver or if a principal/school counselor employed at the student’s high school waives the requirement due to extenuating circumstances.
SB 167 will now move to the Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration.
State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) represents Senate District 42, which includes Decatur, Fayette, Ripley, and Rush counties, plus portions of Jennings, Franklin, and Shelby counties.
State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) files several bills for the 2023 legislative session at the Statehouse Friday, Dec. 30. Courtesy – IGA
