By KRWG News
Texas – The Texas Senate has voted to give priority for Texas Grants financial aid to top-performing students.
The Texas Grants program was created to give financial aid to poor students. It is given on a first-come, first-serve basis, but trends show that about half don't graduate within six years.
Supporters say the bill won't take money away from poor students, but will put those who are most likely to graduate at the front of the line.
Critics say the change could limit financial aid to minority students from the state's poorest school districts.
The change would apply to grants awarded for the fall 2013 semester.
The bill now goes to the House, which is considering a similar measure.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.