Bill would waive college tuition for National Guard members Maine may want to keep an eye on Texas. What are your thoughts?

CSM Michael Lynch — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 12:21:40 -0400

If it was me I would be watching the outcome in Texas and learn something prior to approving this bill. I'm not against it, but if you waive 100% tuition, somebody has to burden the loss of funds. It will still cost the institutions in the long run. If you add more students because of it, then you need more rooms, Faculty and advisors just a few items. Who is going to foot the bill for the additions. Another great idea that could result in a lot of $ increases over the years. Lets all go join the Main NG and get free schooling.

http://cl.exct.net/?qs=53ed [login to see] 58e77a86f8140c9b964c812f307b4b32e05845e5a6ce324b8cd8535ed8620596db

Maine bill would waive college tuition for National Guard members - The Portland Press Herald /...

The waiver would apply to Guard members who enroll at any school in the University of Maine System, community college system or Maine Maritime Academy.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Apr 23 at 2015 12:27 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 12:27:03 -0400

I think Maine realizes something people are just catching on to - We've systematically devalued education in this country to the extent that we'd prefer to screw over our country and future generations rather than risk the wiff of socialism.

The problem is that we're paying for it. Entrepreneurship is sliding as debt and medical costs force young people to hide in the skirts of large corporations during their most creative years and companies are increasingly seeking talent outside of the country.

It's a complicated problem, but at least in this case, Maine requires public service in exchange.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 12:38 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 12:38:17 -0400

I think it's a good Bill and can help vets complete their education in addition to their GI Bill.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 1:05 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:05:34 -0400

That is not the only state that offers 100% waived tuition. 5 states offer waived tuition for all Combat vets...I'm 100% for free college for all National Guardsman, we need an educated military force.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Apr 23 at 2015 1:25 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:25:27 -0400

If done properly this can be an ideal system. Implementing rules of increased service time upon completion of the program (+2 years to ETS or something similar) and only to currently serving soldiers while within the state of Maine.

I can see the pros and the cons, but the costs will still be distributed to other students or tax payers, and that is not a good thing either.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 1:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:30:59 -0400

In Arizona: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/mar/3/house-oks-bill-waiving-tuition-for-arizona-nationa/

Of course q uestion of money is always in play but the bill did get passed in the house and senate.

HB2240: NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS; TUITION WAIVERS
Any member of the Arizona National Guard may attend regularly scheduled
courses at any public institution of higher education in Arizona toward completion
of a bachelor’s or master’s degree and receive up to 16 credits per semester
tuition-free, with a maximum of 120 credits total for a bachelor’s degree and 33
credits total for a master’s degree if specified conditions are met, including that
the member has completed initial active duty training and is in good standing in
the Guard and at the institution. A member of the Guard may attend a course
tuition-free only if the course has open seats available after registration has
closed for that course.

House OKs bill waiving tuition for Arizona National Guard

The House wants to help Arizona’s National Guard members go to college for free.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 2:46 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:46:16 -0400

Oklahoma has been doing this for the last 20 years.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Apr 23 at 2015 3:20 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 15:20:58 -0400

Stand by for a (somewhat) related topic soon to be forthcoming (in editing) on RallyPoint CommandPost. Impacts of Section 702 of the “Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act”

Response by SGT James P. Davidson, MSM made Apr 23 at 2015 5:49 PM

SGT James P. Davidson, MSM — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 17:49:33 -0400

While I appreciate the GI Bill, I say it should be changed - 4-year programs should be automatically paid in full for Veterans - to the 4-year college (no, not community college, either) or university of their choice, and the cost should be fair and equal across the board. Lock in the pricing to avoid 'tuition hikes' against the funding, cover books and classes and whatever academic extras one may encounter. Let him or her be responsible for feeding, clothing or housing on his or her own.

This also helps to lessen the impact of trying to get the GI Bill 'in place' for the Veteran student, worry about monthly/quarterly/per class payments and so on. If a break in education is needed, the remaining funding will already be in place when the Vet is ready to return to the academic battlefield.

Just my thoughts...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 23 at 2015 6:20 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 18:20:50 -0400

I don't know how the states can afford it.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Apr 28 at 2015 4:42 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 16:42:22 -0400

How are other New England States funding their programs? If I recall MA, and CT have a full ride for their NG.