Connecticut House Bill HB05670

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/19
• Refer: 1/18/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Tuition Waivers At Public Institutions Of Higher Education For Certain Gold Star Family Members.

Impact

If passed, HB 05670 would amend Title 10a of the general statutes, establishing a framework for tuition fee waivers for eligible individuals. This bill reflects a growing recognition of the need to support families who have experienced loss related to military service. The financial relief provided by the tuition waivers would enable Gold Star families to access higher education without the stress of tuition costs, potentially leading to improved educational outcomes and increased opportunities for career advancement.

Summary

House Bill 05670 aims to provide tuition waivers at public institutions of higher education for certain family members of military personnel who have died in active duty. The bill specifically targets surviving spouses and dependent children of individuals killed in action while serving in the armed forces. This initiative is designed to honor the sacrifices made by these service members and to alleviate the financial burden of obtaining a college education for their families.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its noble intentions, it may raise discussions regarding the allocation of state education funding and how financial resources are managed. Some might question if the state can sustain such waivers alongside existing financial aid programs. Additionally, stakeholders may debate the criteria for eligibility and whether other families affected by military service, such as veterans themselves or families of those injured in battle, should also receive similar support.