OLYMPIA – The Washington State Senate voted today to expand college access opportunities for veterans, National Guard members, and gold star families. The bill passed on a vote of 44-1.
Senate Bill 5755, sponsored by Sen. Emily Randall (D-Bremerton), increases the higher education tuition and fee waiver that gold star families receive from 200 to 250 credits.
This waiver, which is available at all public institutions of higher education in Washington, covers children, spouses, and domestic partners of eligible veterans and National Guard members who became totally disabled, became prisoners of war, went missing in action, or lost their lives while serving.
In addition, the bill expands access to optional tuition waivers at public institutions of higher education to include veterans and National Guard members who received a general discharge under honorable conditions.
“As I’ve talked to folks around the district, I’ve heard that educational opportunities are one of the most important issues for veterans and their family members,” Randall said. “This bill makes those opportunities, and the good jobs they lead to, more accessible.”
The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
