SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson today signed SB 136, Veteran In-State Tuition. The new law allows any veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces--along with their spouse and dependents, no matter where they live--to pay New Mexico resident tuition rates at any certified institution of higher learning or vocational center in the state of New Mexico.
"Veterans have bravely served and protected our country, and through this legislation we can thank them for their service," Governor Bill Richardson said. "New Mexico has a strong tradition of honoring our veterans, and this bill shows that deep commitment by opening up new educational opportunities to veterans and their families from all across the United States."
There are more than 100 certified institutions statewide where veterans can utilize their federal G.I. Education benefit to continue their post-high school education. The intent of the bill was to help make New Mexico become the state for a veteran to accomplish this goal.
In addition to offering the state's excellent educational and vocational institutions to veterans worldwide, the new law can also be a tremendous financial boon for the state, according to New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services Cabinet Secretary John M. Garcia, whose department provides service and support to more than 180,000 veterans living in New Mexico.
"This is a ‘win-win' situation," said Secretary Garcia. "Veterans and their dependents can attend our fine educational institutions, and the state can be the beneficiary of a G.I. benefit which could be worth up to $30,000 apiece, depending on where they choose to attend."
SB 136 was sponsored by Sen. William Payne of Albuquerque. It was unanimously passed by the New Mexico Senate and House of Representatives with very little debate in last month's state legislative session.
Posted 04/09/09 to www.NASFAA.org. Posting of press releases is done as a service to Members and does not imply endorsement or support by NASFAA. NASFAA does not review this information for content or accuracy.
