Lawmakers Work To Boost National Guard Education Incentives

Lawmakers are working to spice up enlistment into the Oklahoma National Guard by bettering schooling incentives. 

Two payments have been heard Monday, making adjustments to residency necessities and funding.  

The House Higher Education and Career Tech committee superior SB 1416 and SB 1418.  

Right now, Oklahoma National Guard schooling advantages don’t cowl the complete price of a level.  

Lawmakers try to alter that.  

A latest interim examine bettering recruitment and retainment of National Guard members discovered that schooling advantages have been higher in neighboring states like Texas and Arkansas.  

“Previously we have helped with tuition but during the interim study we found out that fees are probably about 60% of the cost of a college education. so, what we’re doing is we’re offering tuition and fees for our National Guard members,” mentioned Sen. Kim David (Dist. 18).  

In 1995 when the Guard schooling profit was created — charges have been 14% of the price of a level.  

SB 1416 would make it so all Oklahoma guardsmen obtain in-state tuition charges, no matter residency standing.  

SB 1418 creates a approach for guardsmen to obtain advantages for the overall price of their diploma — and creates the Oklahoma National Guard Education Assistant Fund – a revolving fund to assist High Ed establishments cowl the extra price.  

The fund would pay for: resident tuition, obligatory charges, and tutorial service charges for programs. 

House creator Rep. Miller estimates the measure will price about $7 million. 

Several members of Oklahoma Guard management have been on the Capitol in help, together with Adjutant General Thomas H. Mancino.  

“Obviously, education is a huge component for a airmen and guardsmen, to join and serve. Obviously, there’s an element of patriotism, but it also represents a great benefit to those soldiers and airmen, and really as citizens of the state.”