AR SB95

Appropriates $4,086,272 for Department of Higher Education general operations, including $2,483,295 for regular salaries to support 53 employees and operating expenses for fiscal year 2014-2015.

Appropriates $58,695,000 for student assistance grants and scholarships including Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarships ($25,000,000), Arkansas Governor's Scholars ($13,200,000), and Higher Education Opportunities Grants ($8,000,000).

Appropriates $5,641,670 for health education grants and loans in fields including dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, and other health professions for Arkansas citizens.

Establishes central pools of 300 positions for universities and 250 positions for colleges to address unanticipated enrollment growth and training demands, subject to Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee approval.

Appropriates additional federal and cash funds totaling approximately $20,753,185 for specialized programs including TANF education ($10,984,604), research development ($5,000,000), and College Access Challenge Grants ($3,000,000).