Montgomery, Ala.(WVTM)---PACT families are now another step closer to getting their college tuition guaranteed.
While there was heated debate in both the senate and house chambers today, ultimately, separate bills to save PACT passed. Now, they're both headed to a joint committee to resolve any differences.
Remember these numbers, 236 million in bond repayment funds, 8 years, starting in 2014. Some lawmakers believe it's the only way to save the PACT program. but for others, there's the question if the bill is constitutional.
House speaker said, "102 ayes, no nays, senate bill 162, as substituted has passed."
That house vote brought cheers from PACT families --- bills to save their contracts have now passed in both the Alabama Senate and the House.
Karen Gandy bought three contracts for her children. Two have graduated. Her third is a freshman out of state.
PACT Parent Karen Gandy said, "We are so hopeful. We have three legislative days left and senators and representatives know how important this is not just to the pact owners but to the state of Alabama."
In front of the state house families celebrated with bill sponsor Gadsden Representative Craig Ford and other legislative supporters.
It's another battle won for PACT families here at the Alabama State House but the war is far from over as this bill now heads to a joint committee.
(D) District 28 Representative, Craig Ford said, "But that was the process, I was trying to explain today. Let us just get to that point, we're too close to the finish line to give up now, so let's just get to that point, now let's start negotiating even further."
Both bills use the redirection of a payment for "Public School College Authority" or PSCA bonds and put the repayment into PACT to the tune of 236 million dollars over 8 years. The payments begin in 2014.
The measure will also cap tuition increases for pact students at state universities. Something higher ed has resisted.
Gandy said, "The universities need to understand that this is a contract with the state of Alabama, it's an issue for the state of Alabama and the universities are funded, they are state institutions. and we want them to be part of the solution, we want them to come to the table to participate."
There are just three days left in this legislative session for all interested parties to do just that.
According to Representative Ford, these bills to save PACT, will make the program 95 percent solvent. He believes it's a step in the right direction.
As for whether the bill is unconstitutional, if a court rules in that manner, then PACT families will have to go back to the drawing board. Ford believes it's not likely.
Three members each from both the Alabama Senate and House will negotiate the final version of the bill to save PACT.
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