NASHVILLE - Gov. Bill Haslam is hesitating at the idea of the state explore limiting lottery-funded scholarships for wealthier Tennesseans to solve shortfalls in the HOPE scholarship program.
"I don't think we're ready to go there yet," Haslam told reporters Monday. "Let's get another year or two to see if we need to react in some way like that."
Haslam's comments came after his first day of budget hearings. During a session on higher education, Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor John Morgan noted the program has an $86 million shortfall.
At the same time, he said, figures show Tennessee is providing $90 million in scholarships to students that can afford to pay full scholarships.
"It's just interesting," said Morgan, who did not specifically endorse means testing for lottery scholarships.
University of Tennessee system President Joe DiPietro argued that awarding scholarships to students from wealthier families ensures state universities can recruit "high achievers."
Haslam's public budget hearings continue today with presentations from Lottery Corp. officials.