SENATE BILL NO. 10 "An Act establishing a grant program to provide to essential workers the tuition and fees to attend a state-supported postsecondary educational institution." 9:20:43 AM LOKI TOBIN, STAFF, SENATOR BEGICH, introduced the legislation. She stated that the bill offered those who were most significantly economically impacted by the Covid- 19 pandemic the opportunity to retrain and advance their employment options. The legislation would offer Alaskans who served on the frontlines the opportunity to advance their education. She stated that it was similar to the Alaska Education Grant. The legislation created an education grant that sought federal funds. She stated that the result would be the opportunity for students to explore career opportunities and move past their current situations in a post-pandemic world. Senator Olson queried the approximate amount of leveraged federal funds. Ms. Tobin replied that she did not have an approximate amount, but deferred to the department for that information. Senator Olson wondered whether the federal funds would be delivered to the student or the educational institution. Ms. Tobin replied that the funds given to the student would be funneled through the university or institution. Senator Wilson surmised that the qualifying individuals was anyone who wanted to be a student in the state. Ms. Tobin pointed to page 3 of the bill, line 9, which outlined the eligibility of the program. 9:24:29 AM Senator von Imhof did not know why the bill was only for essential workers, and not for anyone that needed to change their circumstances. She did not like that UGF and the Higher Education Fund were used to pay for the program. Co-Chair Stedman remarked that the committee would address that issue continually, and stressed that the source of funds should be under close examination as a result of the impact of Covid-19. Senator Wielechowski wondered whether the bill sponsor had a position on whether Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds or UGF should be used for the program. Ms. Tobin replied that the program was modeled after a program in Michigan, which used CARES funds. She stated that she would be open to the committee's recommendations about opening up the program to more applicants. Co-Chair Bishop thanked Senator Begich for the bill, because of the conversations about education and the connectivity between the state agency to deliver a workforce. 9:30:33 AM Senator Olson queried an estimate of the extra cost. Ms. Tobin stated that it was difficult to determine that amount, and explained that there was an overall cap to keep the costs low. Senator Wilson wondered whether the bill would allow for attendance at the trade schools. Ms. Tobin replied in the affirmative. Senator Wilson surmised that the program would not be permitted in private trade schools. Ms. Tobin stated that, per the recommendation from Legislative Legal, public funds could not be utilized in private institutions. Senator Wilson wondered whether the bill sponsor had considered conversing with Congress about utilizing the funds for the private institutions. Ms. Tobin replied that the bill sponsor would entertain any conversation or amendment to the bill. Co-Chair Bishop stated that the amendment deadline would be Monday, April 19 at 12 noon. He discussed the following week's schedule. SB 10 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further consideration.