AK SCR19

Establishes the Joint Legislative Higher Education Scholarship Funding Task Force to examine higher education costs and identify the best approach to providing financial aid to Alaska students.

Task force duties include evaluating financial aid proposals, recommending improvements to financial aid laws, and accepting public comments on financial aid opportunities.

Task force composition consists of 11 members: five senators appointed by the president of the senate, five representatives appointed by the speaker of the house, and one member appointed by the governor.

Task force must submit a report of findings and proposed legislative changes to the governor and legislature by December 1, 2010, and will be terminated on January 1, 2011.

Resolution addresses Alaska's 22.4 percent bachelor degree completion rate within six years—the lowest in the nation—and rising postsecondary education costs.