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While lawmakers are still grappling with ways to fully fund TOPS, the Governor signs a bill that would lock in rates at next year's tuition level.

This means awards from Louisiana's TOPS program will no longer guarantee full funding if tuition costs go up. Governor John Bel Edwards' office has announced  the governor has signed a bill that locks in the TOPS payment rate at next year's tuition level.

If tuition grows larger but lawmakers don't agree to raise TOPS payments, students will have to pay more in the 2017-18 school year and beyond.

Supporters say they were trying to make sure Louisiana can continue to afford TOPS, which is estimated to cost nearly $300 million next year. Opponents say this does not meet the promise made to Louisiana's students.

Because of the budget shortfall, it's unclear if students would even get full tuition funding next year.

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