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Lawmakers approve tuition benefits for veterans

By Regan McCarthy

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-987052.mp3

Tallahassee, FL – Committee week is underway in Tallahassee and as Regan McCarthy reports one committee has already begun taking votes, ahead of the 2012 legislative session which starts in January.

The Senate Military Affairs Committee is the first to hear any bills this session. The committee considered three bills Tuesday. Senate Bill 164 let's veterans pay instate tuition at Florida colleges without first meeting the state's residency requirements. Senator Mike Fasano says it's important for Florida to be a veteran friendly state. He says the state's reputation in that regard has helped to keep it's military bases open.

"Because of what we have accomplished over the years here in the state of Florida through good legislation that you've supported and all of us have supported. We were looked at as probably the most friendly state to our military men and women and to our veterans and that's why we didn't see any closings. In fact we gained. And I just want to continue that trend."

Senate Bill 152 expands support programs for veterans starting their own businesses. And Senate Bill 110 expands the spaceport territory. All three bills received favorable recommendations from the committee.