Last week, State Representative James Arciero announced new legislation that aims to waive higher education fees and give more educational access to Massachusetts veterans.
The bill, H.3126, is sponsored by Arciero and co-sponsored by 59 other members of the Massachusetts legislature.
Currently, those serving in the National Guard receive tuition and fee waivers while attending public colleges and universities in Massachusetts.
Arciero’s legislation would expand the waivers to provide full coverage of all tuition and fees for any veteran who has served 90 days of active duty.
His hope that the bill can help close gaps in the federal G.I Bills that also provide tuition assistance for veterans.
“While the G.I bills lift the financial burder of the cost of higher education from most veterans, my legislation will ensure that no veteran will ever will ever slip through the cracks,” he said.
Arciero also indicated his belief that the legislation would also restore the true intent of the original 1991 state law addressing tuition for veterans, which has been damaged by increasing tuition costs for all students.
In addition to education, Arciero also hopes that Massachusetts’ colleges and universities can also provide assistance to veterans with psychological disorders, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“I am proud that Massachusetts leads the nation for veterans and their families,” he said “We need to continue to strengthen our ability to care for our veterans and ensure that all veterans in Massachusetts receive free public higher education.”
