TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A House committee is considering a proposal to eliminate a program that helps poor Kansans save money for college.
The program allows up to 1,200 state residents each year to receive up to a $600 yearly state match for contributions to the Kansas’ 529 college savings plan. The program is open only to households at 200 percent or below the federal poverty level, or with incomes roughly below $47,100 a year for a family of four.
Rep. Pete DeGraaf, a Republican from Mulvane, questioned whether encouraging the poor to save for college is a proper function of government.
The Kansas City Star reports 988 households are participating this year, costing the state about $500,000. Overall, the state has spent $2.1 million on the program since 2007.
