Washington -- Today, Congressman Diane Black (R-TN-06) voted for the G.I. Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 2013, bipartisan legislation that would expand education opportunities for veterans by allowing them to attend the state-run higher-education institution of their choice at the in-state tuition rate. Congressman Black released the following statement upon House passage:
"High out of state tuition rates should not come between our nation's bravest and a paycheck," said Congressman Black. "The unemployment rate for veterans remains unacceptably high, and this commonsense legislation would help those who have served gain access to higher education, equipping them with more tools to compete for jobs. As the mother, wife and daughter of U.S. servicemen, I know firsthand that our brave men and women in uniform deserve access to the educational resources necessary to succeed in today's economy. I hope the Senate will act quickly to send this important legislation to the President without delay."
H.R. 357 would expand education opportunities for veterans by allowing them to attend the state-run higher-education institution of their choice at the in-state tuition rate. It would do this by requiring public schools to charge in-state tuition rates to all veterans in order for the school to be eligible to receive G.I. Bill education payments. This requirement would take effect Aug. 1, 2014. G.I. Bill students enrolling before Aug. 1, 2014, at schools that choose not to charge veterans in-state tuition could still apply their benefits toward tuition at those institutions.