• Recent Developments: The state of New York passed a bill authored by Assemblyman Greg Ball granting free tuition at SUNY institutions for veterans.

Background

• Some states such as New York and Connecticut now offer free tuition to combat veterans
• Some veterans organizations believe tuition remission should occur for all veterans, even those who did not serve over seas
• The Montgomery G.I. bill, a Federal program, will pay up to $16,500 in benefits, but it only good for ten years after a service member leaves the military. Granting tuition reimbursement from the state, at state institutions, does not impact the G.I. bill, and allows veterans to attend school for free many years after the expiration of their service.

Debate

• • Our veterans served their country with honor. We owe them our gratitude, and this is the least we can do.
  • The Federal G.I. bill does not go far enough. Many Vietnam veterans needed to support their families when they returned and couldn't attend school. Now, their G.I. bill has expired. They need a way to pay for their schooling.
• • This bill is too expensive. First veterans, then who else? It is an unfair socialist handout that unfairly rewards military service.
  • This bill does not go far enough. Why should combat vets be afforded benefits, while other non-combat veterans who face the same problems be ignored?

Country Comparison

Recent Developments

• In May of 2007, New York State Assemblyman Greg Ball proposed legislation granting free tuition to veterans at undergraduate and graduate SUNY institutions
• In January of 2008, New York Governor Eliot Spitzer promised to deliver the bill in his executive budget during the State of the State address
• In March of 2008, new Governor David Paterson included the text of Ball's bill in his 2008 Executive Budget proposal
• In April of 2008, the budget was passed, with $2 million in funding for the program, which became Article N of Section VII of the Budget

Additional Information