§ 16-57-2. Findings.

The purpose of this chapter is to authorize a system of financial assistance, consisting of loan guaranties, savings programs, and other aids, for qualified students, parents, and others responsible for paying the costs of education to enable them to obtain an education beyond the high school level by attending public or private educational institutions. The general assembly has found and declares that it is in the public interest and essential to the welfare and well being of the inhabitants of the state and to the proper growth and development of the state to foster and provide financial assistance to qualified students, parents, and others responsible for paying the costs of education in order to help prospective students to obtain an education beyond the high school level. The general assembly has found that many inhabitants of the state who are fully qualified to enroll in appropriate educational institutions for furthering their education beyond the high school level lack the financial means and are unable, without financial assistance as authorized under this chapter, to pay the cost of their education, with a consequent irreparable loss to the state of valuable talents vital to its welfare. The general assembly also recognizes that educational institutions for higher education are in need of appropriate additional means to provide financial assistance to qualified students, parents, and others responsible for paying the costs of education. The general assembly has determined that the establishment of a proper system of financial assistance, containing eligibility opportunities for students and residents of this state and other states serves a public purpose and is fully consistent with the long established policy of the state to encourage, promote, and assist the education of the people of the state. The general assembly further finds that higher education financial assistance needs of Rhode Islanders will be better served by transferring all of the functions and programs of the former Rhode Island higher education assistance authority and of the Rhode Island division of higher education assistance to the office of postsecondary commissioner and the office of the general treasurer.