NE3: Graduate Protection Act (Passed)

[Lincoln Republican]

In principle, I support this proposed legislation.

However, students should understand that if they are to be paid for internships, that their wage or salary will be at the entry level for that particular position.

This bill also discusses scholarships.  In my view, the part of the bill discussing scholarships should be separated from the part of the bill that discusses internships.  I believe that both parts of this bill will have more clarity if they are separated.

Also, the bill designates two fields in which scholarships would be established, public service and the environment.  While these are both noble endeavors, there are as well many other fields of study that would warrant scholarships to assist students.  I'm thinking of careers in the field of medical research for example.

[Lincoln Republican]

That's true.  We do not have unlimited funds to spend on scholarships.

We open up public service and environmental studies scholarships, where does it stop?

[Lincoln Republican]

I think perhaps I did not make myself clear.  When I mentioned medical research scholarships, I was not necessarily advocating scholarships in this field, I was simply using it as one example where scholarships might as well be warranted, as you had advocated two fields in particular where scholarships are warranted.

By pointing out two fields where scholarships  would be granted under this bill, my concern is that perhaps other students in other fields would believe that they too are studying in fields that  warrant scholarships.

But yes, by all means, let's separate the bill, as you have done with the amendment, and deal with scholarships as a separate issue.  I am hopeful that we can come to some kind of a consensus on scholarships for public service and environmental work.   

[Lincoln Republican]

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I put forward the above amendment (in blue) to the Graduate Protection Act for consideration.

Mr. Speaker, since you are the author of this bill, does this proposed amendment meet with your approval? 

[Lincoln Republican]

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I put forward the above amendment (in blue) to the Graduate Protection Act for consideration.

Mr. Speaker, since you are the author of this bill, does this proposed amendment meet with your approval? 

Amendment is unclear, I want it to specify that interns get the minimum wage

Does this look better?

[Lincoln Republican]

Aye

[Lincoln Republican]

Yes.  Fine with me.

I should have thought of that when I presented the original amendment.

However, if employers are mandated to pay at the least the minimum wage, I do not imagine that many employers will be paying anything above the minimum wage  at least to start.

[Lincoln Republican]

Aye