(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. Jacque Clements (R-Frankfort) 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 those eligible for the 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. "I have the utmost respect for Hoosier veterans who have had the honor of receiving a Purple Heart," said Rep. Clements. "Providing them with the opportunity to further their education is the least we can do to show our appreciation for their service and dedication to this country." 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. Clements encourages her constituents to contact her with questions or concerns through e-mail at h38@in.gov, by calling the Statehouse at 1-800-382-9841 or by writing her at 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.
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