WC Wisconsin News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin, alongside Congressman Morgan McGarvey of Kentucky, has introduced the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR) Tuition Fairness Act. This legislation aims to improve educational opportunities for veterans by requiring public higher education institutions to charge in-state tuition rates for veterans using MGIB-SR.

Congressman Van Orden, Chairman of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, stated, "One of my top priorities is increasing educational access and career opportunities for veterans. The MGIB-SR Tuition Fairness Act will provide long overdue parity for Reservists, allowing them to enjoy furthering their education at the same cost as all other veterans."

Representative Morgan McGarvey added, "This bipartisan legislation expands on the promise to look after those who have proudly served our country and will ensure a more affordable education for our nation’s Reservists."

The Reserve Organization of America (ROA) has also expressed its support for the bill. Retired Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey E. Phillips, the executive director of ROA, stated, "The MGIB-SR Tuition Fairness Act simply closes this loophole and recognizes the contributions made by those in the reserve components, who, like their active component counterparts, dedicate their life to defend us all."

The American Legion, a prominent veterans organization, also voiced its support for the legislation. Jay Bowen, the National VE&E Chairman of The American Legion, said, "By ensuring in-state tuition is granted to selected reservists regardless of residency, this bill will provide more educational pathways and greater career opportunities to qualifying reservists."

Several other organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Special Operations Association of America, Veterans Education Project, Military Officers Association of America, and Reserve Organization of America, have expressed their support for the MGIB-SR Tuition Fairness Act.

The bill aims to address the financial burden faced by Reservists when pursuing higher education and to ensure that they have the same access to educational benefits as other veterans. The full text of the bill can be found here.

This legislation is vital in recognizing the sacrifices and service of our nation's Reservists and providing them with the educational opportunities they deserve.