"An Act providing for a partial tuition waiver for families of members of the Alaska National Guard; and directing the executive director of the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education to seek additional funding to support tuition waivers. "

HB 387 provides much needed support and education benefits to Alaska's National Guard Members and their families.

The bill gives a 50 percent tuition waiver to dependents of Alaska National Guard members. The waiver benefits families who give up so much to support their loved one while serving in the National Guard.

For the past two years the Alaska National Guard has not met its year-end membership goals and expectations are low for this year as well. This is attributed in large part to the family being the decision maker for these soldiers. When the family gives up so much to support these soldiers but gets nothing in return, the pull to leave the Guard is strong. The tuition waiver aims to change that and encourage current guard members to remain in the National Guard.

The bill also intends to solve the current under funding of the existing tuition waivers for Alaska's National Guard.

Soldiers who have been promised higher education benefits are not always receiving them. Each year the funding is exhausted and guard members are being denied the assistance they need to continue their education. By directing the Executive Director of the Commission to request a supplemental appropriation from the legislature, the Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs can fund both the new and previously established tuition waivers.

The Alaska National Guard is fighting for our country and protecting our state. They deserve our support. I respectfully urge your support for HB 387.

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