Gov. Signs AB 13, In-State Tuition for CA Veterans

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Gov. Signs AB 13, In-State Tuition for CA Veterans

On Saturday, Governor Brown signed Assembly Bill 13. AB 13 requires California public colleges to update their admission policies in order to protect veterans from losing their GI Bill benefits while attending college.

Several months ago President Obama signed House of Representatives Bill (H.R.) 3230, a measure that, in part, will require all public institutions of higher learning to grant all GI Bill recipients in-state tuition for any course enrolled in after July 1, 2015 or forfeit all Title 38 funding. AB 13 will request the University of California, California Community Colleges and California State University to come into compliance with the new federal law with the hopes of granting in-state tuition to all persons eligible for Title 38 funding (GI Bill beneficiaries), even if the student is not a current California resident.

In response to Governor Brown’s signature of AB 13, many organizations that advocate for veterans expressed their support.

Lorraine Plass, Legislative Committee Chair, AMVETS-Department of California: AB 13 is a big win for our Veterans and their families.

Joe Wright, Legislative Committee Chair, CA Association of County Veterans Service Officers:

AB 13 will help protect Veterans from losing benefits they have earned.

Ken Holybee, Legislative Committee Chair, Vietnam Veterans of America-CA State Council:

Just because the cost of a college education has increased, doesn’t mean our Veteran’s benefits should decrease. AB 13 ensures that the spirit of the GI Bill is upheld in California.

The success of AB 13 was only possible with the help from the many stakeholders and supporters over the past two years. The real winners here are the veterans who have returned from service and are continuing their education with their earned GI Bill benefits. Our veterans are the best and brightest the United States has to offer. AB 13 is a step in the right direction, as it will encourage our veterans to stay in California and continue contributing to our local communities.

Christopher Pickard

Press Secretary, Assemblymember Rocky Chávez

Office: (916) 319 2076

Email: Christopher.Pickard@asm.ca.gov