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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Jay Purdy |
State Rep. Rick Taylor |
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Taylor bill would increase dual enrollment funds for students
HARRISBURG, April 5 - State Rep. Rick Taylor, D-Montgomery, today announced he has introduced legislation that would increase funding for a state program that helps high school students pay for enrollment in college-level courses while still in high school.
Taylor said he is introducing the legislation on behalf of Gov. Ed Rendell as part of his education incentives package in the proposed 2007-08 budget.
The bill (H.B. 932) will be one of two education proposals on which the House Education Committee will take testimony during a public hearing from 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, April 11 in the Temple University Student Services Building, 1810 Liacouras Walk, in Philadelphia.
The Dual Enrollment Program is available to secondary students in charter, non-public and private schools, as well those in home education.
Taylor said the bill would increase the state allocation by $2 million over the current $8 appropriation.
The added funds would be used for high schools to enroll low-income students in college-level courses.
Taylor said encouraging low-income students can offer multiple benefits.
“The foremost way for someone to break the cycle of low income is through education,” Taylor said. “The better an education, the greater potential a student has to compete for a meaningful career.
“Helping them take college-level courses for which they are academically qualified can assist students in obtaining admission to the college of their choice. It also cuts into their college tuition a bit by giving them a head-start on earning credit-hours.
“Overall it helps students and their family, and helps our society by helping someone to become a highly productive member of their community.”
Taylor can be contacted through his Web site: www.pahouse.com/taylor.
The 151st Legislative District includes parts of Horsham, Abington, Upper Dublin, Montgomery and Lower Gwynedd townships; and Ambler Borough.
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