Tucker, Mukherji & Timberlake Bill to Provide In-State Tuition Rates to Certain Veterans Signed Into Law
Tucker, Mukherji & Timberlake Bill to Provide In-State Tuition Rates to Certain Veterans Signed Into Law
(TRENTON) – Looking to reduce higher education expenses for veterans, a bill sponsored by Assembly Democrats Cleopatra Tucker, Raj Mukherji and Britnee Timberlake to expand eligibility for educational assistance was signed into law by the Governor on Friday.
The new law (formerly A-5390) conforms to federal law to broaden the definition of a “covered individual” under the New Jersey Tuition Equality for America’s Military (NJTEAM) Act.
Under the law, in-state tuition rates apply to veterans living in New Jersey and attending a public institution of higher education – regardless of their state of residence – if they are entitled to educational assistance under the Department of Veterans Affairs’ “Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program.”
Other individuals, such as the veteran’s spouse or child, will also be eligible for the in-state tuition rate.
“Tuition for higher education continues to be a source of extreme debt for many individuals and their families,” said Tucker (D-Essex). “Veterans are no exception. This law will serve as a tool to make these expenses more manageable.”
“By expanding the pool of veterans and their families who can benefit from in-state tuition under the NJTEAM Act, we are thanking our veterans for the tremendous sacrifices that they have made for our nation and our freedom,” said Mukherji
(D-Hudson), a former sergeant in the U.S. Marines. “Access to higher education can also improve their transition back to civilian life and widens their economic opportunities.”
“As the daughter of a retired sergeant who served in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, I know first-hand how much our veterans sacrifice each day to protect us all,” said Timberlake (D-Essex, Passaic). “This law is yet another way to thank our veterans for their service.”
The law takes effect immediately.
