(Juneau) - Two separate bills supporting tuition waivers passed through the House Special Committee on Education at its February 14th meeting.

Committee Chair Representative Mark Neuman (R-Mat-Su) thanked the police officers, firefighters, and members of the armed services. "We appreciate those who give selflessly to protect their fellow man and their country," Representative Neuman said. "They deserve our respect and support."

HB 387, sponsored by Representative Thomas of Haines, provides for a 50% tuition waiver for dependents of Alaska National Guard members. A Committee Substitute was introduced that included free hunting and sport fishing licenses for active members of the Alaska National Guard. These measures are to assist the families of guard members and to encourage current guard members to remain in the guard while helping to solve the current underfunding of the existing tuition waivers system for the Alaska National Guard.

"The men and women who serve our country and their families deserve the benefits of higher education. Providing tuition waivers to National Guard members is the least we can do for those who put themselves in harm's way to protect us," said Representative Thomas. "Further, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the peace and solitude of our state through fishing and hunting is a great way to thank them for their dedication."

The second bill, HB 412 sponsored by Representative Ramras of Fairbanks provides for the surviving families members of police officers, firefighters, or members of the armed services. Existing regulations allow a waiver of fees and tuition and HB 412 expands the language to include on-campus room and board.

"Those who wear a uniform to make Alaska and the United States safer places to live deserve to be honored and recognized, especially those who make the ultimate sacrifice," said Representative Ramras. "Surviving family members of these everyday heroes will benefit greatly from this legislation because it ensures that all costs associated with higher education are covered."

HB 387 and HB 412 will show our men and women of uniform that we support them.

Both bills now move to House HESS.

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