Student Veterans of America (SVA) today offered its support for a
measure under consideration in the California State Assembly that would
allow veterans to qualify for the same in-state tuition rates currently
extended to all qualifying California students.
Under the
Post-9/11 GI Bill, the maximum amount qualifying student veterans are
eligible for is the in-state tuition rate at public institutions of
higher education.
"Today,
student veterans living in California receiving the Post-9/11 GI Bill
are forced to pay out of their own pocket if they don't qualify
for in-state tuition," said SVA executive director Michael Dakduk. "No
state should maintain a separate set of rules that force veterans - and
their families - to relocate simply because they cannot afford to pursue
a college education in their state."
Assembly Bill 13,
sponsored by Assemblymember and retired Marine Corps Col. Rocky Chavez,
R-Oceanside, would allow all recently discharged, released or retired
members of the armed forces to qualify for in-state tuition rates at any
California Community College, California State University or University
of California. Since 2001, California has offered the same incentives
to undocumented, non-U.S. Citizens.
"Our veterans deserve
the best education possible," said Chavez. "Offering in-state tuition
will provide veterans the option of attending one of our great
universities where they will contribute to both our local and state
economies. Without this incentive, these men and women will likely
choose schools elsewhere, taking their time, talent and skills with
them."
According to
estimates from Chavez, efforts to attract veterans to attend California
schools included in his bill will add an estimated $20,000 per GI Bill
recipient into the state's economy.
Additionally, AB 13
encourages veterans to begin their education within the first year of
receiving their discharge from active duty or reserves, a component of
the legislation SVA particularly commends.
"I encourage California
to join efforts in other states across the country to make an education
more affordable for veterans regardless of residency requirements," said
SVA board member and former commanding general of Marine Corps
Installations West, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Michael Lehnert. "States welcoming
student veterans will not only experience a significant economic
benefit, but will also gain from their continued service as productive
citizens."
The bill is scheduled
for consideration in the California State Assembly Committee on
Appropriations on Monday, August 12. Since 2010, three similar bills
have been introduced in the assembly and have not been approved by the
committee.
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