You’ll find out when you reach the top: A near-annual proposal to put a cap on the amount of tuition paid through the TOPS program has been rejected once again by state lawmakers. The House Education Committee today voted 12-4 against a bill that would limit the awards given through the free college tuition program, the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students. TOPS is a popular program across the state, but its costs are growing annually—to an estimated $168 million next year. Republican Rep. Joe Harrison of Napoleonville, sponsor of the cap proposal, says the state can’t continue to afford the program’s increasing expense. A higher education study commission earlier this year recommended a cap on TOPS awards. Opponents say any cuts to TOPS could limit students’ ability to go to college.
Virtually there: LSU has launched a new online tour, including more than 60 videos on academic programs, student life, resources and more. The virtual tour also includes an interactive map integrating photos and videos. The virtual tour has been in development for about a year in partnership with Atlanta-based Realview TV. The virtual tour is available online and is also compatible with mobile platforms and tablets. Check it out here.
The benefit of growth: According to an independent, third-party assessment completed this month by The Ignition Group, Baton Rouge-based AlwaysCare Benefits, a Starmount Life Insurance company, has the greatest number of unique Louisiana locations in its dental provider network—just under 500—compared to AlwaysCare’s most frequent competitors. It also has the largest number of Louisiana locations in its vision provider network, at just over 360. Those numbers reflect significant growth for AlwaysCare, as the firm has added more than 80 vision and 200 dental providers in the past three years.
