WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Gregory bill expands higher-ed for dependents of military personnel killed or disabled in action, MIA, POWs

It’s not the first bill sponsored by freshman state Rep. Carol Gregory, but for the children of military personnel who are killed, go missing, or are totally disabled in service to the country, it could be the most important.  The House Higher Education Committee has given a unanimous thumbs-up to Gregory’s HB 1644, which adds hundreds, and possibly thousands, to the rolls of those who will qualify for state tuition waivers at Washington colleges and universities.

“This is the kind of bill that could easily fly under the radar,” Gregory said, “because it won’t change most people’s lives.  But for those who are affected – young people whose father or mother has died or been grievously injured in the military – it could determine whether they pursue higher education or not.  It’s a thank-you both to our veterans and their families.”

Current state law requires tuition waivers for qualifying students between the ages of 18 and 26.  Federal law provides a living stipend to these students while they are pursuing higher education, but includes students between 17 and 31 in the eligibility pool.  The state’s narrower age requirements, especially the cut-off at 26, can make continuing their educations impossible for many students.  Without the tuition waiver, they drop out, and by doing so, lose their eligibility for the federal stipend, which is currently $1100 per month. HB 1644 will adjust the state’s age range for eligibility to correspond to federal rules.

“It’s a double-whammy,” Gregory explained.  “I want to put our state law in line with the federal limits, and help these students finish their educations.  They’ll benefit, their families will benefit, and our communities and state will obviously benefit from this small investment in its citizens.”

Gregory (D-30th, Federal Way), said the next stop for the bill is the all-important House Rules Committee, where decisions are made about which bills will be sent to the floor for approval by the full House.