(STATEHOUSE) March 26, 2009 - All Indiana Purple Heart recipients would be eligible for tuition and fee exemptions at state educational institutions if a bill passed unanimously today by the Indiana House of Representatives gains final approval by Gov. Mitch Daniels. Rep. Bill Davis (R-Portland) co-sponsored the bill in the House of Representatives. Last year, the Indiana General Assembly created a law allowing Purple Heart recipients who served active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, to apply for the tuition and fee exemption. Senate Bill 39 will expand the eligibility requirements for this exemption to include all veterans who have received the honor of a Purple Heart. The exemption has been available to the children of these veterans for many years, and they will retain eligibility under Senate Bill 39. "Purple Heart recipients have done so much for our country through their service and dedication," said Rep. Davis. "The least we can do is provide them with the opportunity to attend a state university to further their education." If Gov. Daniels signs the bill into law, it will become effective July 1, 2009. Those interested in tracking this and other bills that have survived the journey to the governor's desk can visit http://www.in.gov/gov/billwatch.htm. -30- Rep. Davis encourages local constituents to contact him with questions or concerns through e-mail at h33@in.gov, or by calling the Statehouse at 1-800-382-9841. It is also possible to write him at 200 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
|
