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News Clips 02/11/2013
Bill would grant vets in-state college tuition regardless of residency
Source: Florida Today, 02/08/13
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By R. Norman Moody
U. S. Senator Bill Nelson has introduced legislation that would require schools eligible for GI Bill education benefits to give veterans in-state tuition rates regardless of the veteran’s residency status.
Nelson and Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) introduced the bill on Thursday.
“One of the greatest gifts we can give our young folks is access to a good, affordable education,” Nelson said in a memo. “That is especially true for young veterans, who face so many challenges when they get home. This measure is aimed at getting at least one hurdle out of the way, and helping veterans get their life started again.”
The cap for GI Bill benefits often falls short of out-of-state rates, which are higher than in-state rates. By requiring states that receive GI Bill benefit payments to offer all veterans in-state tuition, Congress can stay true to the intent of the GI Bill by enabling veterans to pursue a higher education and jobs skills through the benefits they have earned, the memo reads.
“Our servicemembers face a unique challenge of establishing residency that often follows them when transitioning back to civilian life,” Boozman said. “By requiring schools that are eligible for GI Bill benefits to charge any veteran the in-state tuition rate, we can remove this barrier to affordable higher education for the men and women who sacrificed for our nation.”
Last month, House Veterans Affairs Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL) and Representative Mike Michaud (D-ME) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
