Gaines, Norby sponsor Assembly bill for vets’ tuition

Assemblywoman Beth Gaines, R-Rocklin, and Assemblyman Chris Norby, R-Fullerton, announced Feb. 27 that they have jointly introduced a measure that will provide California veterans with the opportunity to use resident tuition rates.

Assembly Bill 2250 will allow veterans who have received an honorable discharge from the military and their spouses the ability to take advantage of in-state tuition costs at California’s public universities.

“Our servicemen and women have served and sacrificed so much to protect American’s freedoms, and California should welcome these veterans and their families to start the next chapter of their life in California’s great public university system,” Gaines said.

Assembly Bill 2250 will let a current or honorably discharged veteran that served a minimum of two years in the armed forces or state military reserve and their spouses to qualify for resident tuition at any California community college, California State University or University of California.

“I’m pleased to join Assemblywoman Gaines to help veterans get a shot at bettering their lives through our public universities,” Norby said. “With their service to this country, they have demonstrated the discipline and commitment it takes to get ahead in life.”

Gaines added that the post 9-11 GI Bill that veterans currently receive does not cover out-of-state tuition, no matter the length of time they have served.

“These limitations drive veterans back to their original home states, resulting in a loss of future California residents and revenue,” Gaines said. “California has the largest population of veterans than any other state, and our bill will ensure that we are working to make California’s public