By: Bill Schammert
bschammert@klkntv.com
They're the college students that have been faced with some of life's hardest obstacles; the loss of a mom, dad, husband or wife due to their military service. Now, one bill being proposed would help to further alleviate some of that incredible financial burden a student faces.
The state already helps those students, by picking up the tab for tuition, but one state senator wants to help a little more. Speaker Greg Adams would like to eliminate their student fees.
"Some constituents, some veterans in my district brought it to me, and I think it's always important we listen to those folks," Sen. Adams said.
LB-180 proposes that the state waive all undergraduate fees for students who've had a parent, step-parent or spouse who's died because of a military service connected injury or disability, or who is now permanently and totally disabled.
"It's a way that we can give back to vets, to help those families," Sen. Adams said.
The York senator says the bill would result in upwards of $300-thousand in lost revenue for the state's colleges and universities. About 300 people already use the tut ion program, and if fees are included, it could save students another $1,000 a year.
"They've given for us and if this is a reasonable way for us to give back to them, I want it in front of the legislature to consider," the senator said.
A similar bill was proposed last year, and even made it through committee, but wasn't voted on because it didn't have a priority designation.
