Reps. Jarrells, Miller provide sponsor testimony on legislation to expand in-state tuition eligibility for veterans

State Reps. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) and Adam Miller (D-Columbus) today provided sponsor testimony before the Ohio Higher Education and Career Readiness Committee on H.B. 415, the Veteran Education Tuition Support Act, which would expand eligibility for in-state tuition to veterans, their spouses, and dependents. The bill would specifically provide in-state tuition to any member of the Ohio National Guard who had 15 days active duty or active duty training in a service year. 

During the previous General Assembly, H.B. 16 was passed to expand eligibility for in-state tuition to veterans, their spouses, and dependents. H.B. 415 would go further to include a large number of National Guard members who otherwise would not be eligible for in-state tuition due to a one year of active duty service requirement.

“H.B. 16 was a vital step in removing residency requirement barriers for veterans. However, it is important that we are honoring everyone who has honorably served in our military, including those in the National Guard. This is another opportunity to expand higher education opportunities that fit the needs of those who put their lives on the line to serve our country,” said Rep. Jarrells.            

 "We need to recruit and retain these service members who offer so much for our state," said Rep. Miller. "This bill states that if you, your family, employer, or community sacrificed so you could serve and support our military, then it doesn't matter if you did it here or overseas - you deserve in-state tuition and a chance to attend our state colleges and universities.  We all win when our service members call Ohio home."

H.B. 415 now awaits further hearings in the House Higher Education and Career Readiness Committee.