Hastings-031913br0212State Senator Michael Hastings (D–Orland Hills) passed a measure Tuesday aimed at lowering college tuition costs for veterans. House Bill 2353 grants Illinois residency to veterans who are entitled to educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program passed. Granting veterans residency allows them to qualify for in-state tuition, thus lowering the cost of tuition fees and rates. 

“We have a responsibility to assist our veterans in their transition to civilian life,” Hastings said. “The Post-9/11 Education Assistance Program is a great initiative that is an investment in the future of our most recent generation of veterans.”

Hastings’ bill would resolve a disparity in the Post-9/11 Education Assistance Program that inadvertently burdened a significant number of American veterans with thousands of dollars of out-of-pocket tuition and fees based on residency status.

“The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides an opportunity for our veterans to get the proper education they need to find good-paying jobs after they finish serving their country,” Hastings said. “Unfortunately, veterans are having difficulties obtaining state residency, which results in higher tuition costs and fees. This measure would reconcile that issue."

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act is a federal law passed in 2008 that provides financial assistance to veterans wanting to go to college after finishing active duty. The law applies to veterans who have served since Sept. 11, 2001.

House Bill 2353 passed the Senate 54-0 and now awaits approval by Governor Quinn.

 

Bill Summary

  • Beginning with the 2013-2014 academic year, any person utilizing benefits under the federal Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 an Illinois resident for tuition purposes
    • Will apply to persons attending public universities and community colleges

Similar federal legislation is being sponsored by United State Senator Dick Durbin (D–IL) which provides equity for tuition and fees for individuals entitled to educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs who are pursuing programs of education at institutions of higher learning, and for other purposes.