Office of the Governor - Press Office

     OWENS SIGNS NATIONAL GUARD TUITION BILL 

Two bills help military personnel with college tuition.

(Denver) – Gov. Bill Owens today signed H.B. 1347, authorizing up to $650,000 in tuition assistance for National Guard members.

“In Colorado’s times of need, the Guard has always been there.  Today, we are showing the Guard that Colorado is here for them,” said Owens. “Tuition assistance has been a vital tool in the effort to recruit Coloradans to the Guard.  Now more than ever, it is crucial that the Army National Guard and Air National Guard be fully enlisted.  In order for this to happen, and to express our gratitude for the great service of the Guard, we are increasing funding this year.”

This bill represents a large increase in funding for the Guard – almost four times last year’s appropriation.  An estimated 800 Guard members will benefit from the legislation.  This summer, 175 Guardsmen and women will be in school.

Last year, 175 Colorado National Guard members were deployed oversees, and over 850 were called up to serve in some capacity in the United States.  Colorado’s Army National Guard has 3100 soldiers, and the Air National Guard 1400 airmen.

Rep. John Witwer (R-Evergreen) and Sen. Ed Jones (R-Colorado Springs) sponsored the bill.  Adjutant General Mason Whitney of the Colorado National Guard joined Owens for the signing ceremony.

Owens also signed H.B. 1006, which allows families who are transferred out of state to qualify for in-state tuition at Colorado’s colleges and universities for up to a year after they move.

“We want military families to know that they can call Colorado home, even when they’re transferred to another state,” said the Governor.  “This means a lot to our military families.”

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Lynn Hefley (R-Colorado Springs) and Sen. Andy McElhany (R-Colorado Springs).

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last modified May 27, 2004