Bipartisan HB2410 helps veterans education in AZ

Helping honor & advance US veterans

TUCSON -- Yesterday, the Arizona Senate unanimously passed and sent to the Governor HB2410 which grants in-state student status to any person who was honorably discharged from the United Stated Armed Forces.

HB2410, sponsored by Rep. Ted Vogt (R-Tucson), Rep. Daniel Patterson (D-Tucson) and others, grants in-state tuition status to honorably discharged veterans without requiring them to wait for one year’s residence in Arizona.

“Our veterans have given the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and to protect our freedoms,” said Representative Vogt, an Air Force veteran. “This is one effort to demonstrate to them that Arizona honors their sacrifice and is prepared to give them access to the best educational opportunities we can.”

“Offering immediate in-state tuition to US veterans is the right thing to do and will help many in Tucson and nationwide,” said Rep. Daniel Patterson, whose Tucson district includes Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and the Southern Arizona VA Hospital. “I'm proud to fight for America's veterans everyday at the Capitol and help pass this bipartisan bill to make Arizona stronger and smarter.”

Upon Gov. Jan Brewer's signature, the bill is effective beginning in the Fall 2011 semester.