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State lawmakers facing tough budget decisions have their eye on the popular bright futures scholarships. The program funds tuition costs for the majority of graduating high school seniors at state universities. It now pays $3750 toward rising tuition costs. The award could drop to as low as $2900 as lawmakers trim the budget. Rashida Gayle of Ft. Lauderdale says she worked extra hard in high school to get Bright Futures, and she and other students will keep working hard if the scholarships get a little dimmer.

“It’s really unfortunate with the recession going on that they have these budget cuts in place and its really taking a toll on students, their pockets, and their parents pockets,” said Gayle.

Critics say the merit-based program gives cash to kids who would have ended up in college anyway.