Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed Senate Bill 24.
The Governor issued a message following the veto:
“The Kansas Promise Scholarship Program provides financial support to Kansans to help them cover the cost of a two-year degree or technical training program. Currently the program is limited to not-for-profit schools. Senate Bill 24 would allow two private, for-profit institutions to participate in the program.
“I have serious concerns about the precedent that would be set by providing state funding to for-profit educational institutions that are not accountable to the state or taxpayers. This program is meant to support Kansans as they pursue an education, not funnel public money to private, for-profit institutions.
“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 24.”
The veto drew a response from Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Republican from Wichita:
“I’m disappointed to see the Governor veto an expansion of the Kansas Promise Scholarship. The program has been a successful tool- helping Kansas students gain the skills needed to excel in high demand, well-paying jobs while also helping to retain those talented workers here in Kansas. Whether the student attends a public or private school is irrelevant, especially as we face workforce shortages across many industries. The results of the Kansas Promise Program benefit Kansas students, families, and businesses, regardless of the school they attend, and expanding it would truly be a win for everyone.”
That vetoed Senate Bill now returns to the state legislature for further evaluation.