Student Government Association representatives from around the state gathered at Florida’s Capitol building to lay out their 2013 legislative priorities. One of their initiatives may soon become a reality.
The Florida Student Government Association is petitioning the legislature for priorities ranging from dual enrollment funding to increasing their voice on the Board of Governors. But, one issue, giving veterans in state tuition regardless of state residency, has bills moving through both houses this session. SGA President Jared Ferreira said the measure won’t only help student veterans afford college, but will also be a driving force in the state’s economy.
“Veterans are dedicated citizens, they bring families with them and when they come here to go to school the settle down and they help our economy. They buy things, they pay taxes and they get houses and start businesses when they get out of college. They’re a dedicated workforce and we would be honored to have them here in Florida and we can’t wait to get this bill passed so that we can have more veterans moving in and helping improve our state,” Ferreira said addressing SGA members.
Out-of-state tuition in Florida is on average four times more expensive than the in-state price. This makes it difficult for veterans, not residents of the state, to attend any of Florida’s more than thirty public institutions of higher learning. Republican Representative Mike Fasano of New Port Richie said the bill would give fighting men and women the welcome home they deserve.
“Finally regardless of where they come from the United States, when they come here to the state of Florida they’re going to be welcomed, and offered in state tuition. We welcome them and their families to the state of Florida,” Fasano said.
Fasano avowed that education is essential to the future of the state and the country and he thanked the Student Government Association for its work on student veteran’s issues.
“I did not get my GED or my high school diploma until I was 28 years old and then went on to take classes at what was t hen St. Pete Junior College and I can only impress to you the importance of an education, you’ve already realized that, you’re the future of this great country of ours and I appreciate all that you do,” Fasano said.
If the measures pass, a veteran would qualify for in-state tuition if they served 90 days in war time, received an honorable discharge, injured during duty, or had been a prisoner of war. Both the House and Senate version of the bill have a couple more committee stops before a final vote.