(JUNEAU) - Representative Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage) has introduced legislation which would establish a tuition waiver and voucher program for eligible foster care students to attend college or vocational training programs. HB 140 was introduced in the Alaska House of Representatives earlier today.

The program, which will be of no cost to the State of Alaska, would use Office of Children Services funds to provide tuition waivers to young people who were in state custody on or after their 16th birthday.

Of the legislation, Representative McGuire said, "Young people in Alaska often leave the foster care system with few resources. We need to help them with the transition to adulthood. Helping to ensure that they have further educational opportunities is a step in the right direction."

HB 140 received referrals to the House Special Committee on Education, the Health, Education & Social Services and Finance Committees.

# # #