Bill Text: MI HR0075 | 2013-2014 | 97th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to encourage the Secretary of Defense to restore the Tuition Assistance Program for those military personnel currently serving.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2013-03-21 - Referred To Committee On Military And Veterans Affairs [HR0075 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2013-HR0075-Introduced.html
Rep. Forlini offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 75.
A resolution to encourage the Secretary of Defense to restore the Tuition Assistance Program for those military personnel currently serving.
Whereas, The federal sequestration policy that went into effect on March 1 will force the U.S. Department of Defense to cut $46 billion in spending by October. One of the casualties of the cuts is the military Tuition Assistance Program for active-duty and reserve members of the armed forces attending school. The Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard have suspended enrollment of new applicants for the rest of the fiscal year. Troops currently taking classes and pursuing degrees will not have the assistance to complete their programs; and
Whereas, Service members took 870,000 courses and earned 50,000 degrees, diplomas, and certificates last year. Coursework taken while serving provides personal and professional development and ensures that the United States is defended by the most highly skilled armed forces in the world. The Tuition Assistance Program is touted by military recruiters, and many young men and women enlist because of the promised benefit of education assistance. Cutting the program takes away an opportunity for our troops to further their education and use it to support their families and contribute to their communities; and
Whereas, Our troops are serving in harm's way, some losing friends or returning with physical or emotional scars. They deserve our thanks for their sacrifice, not broken promises. They have earned the chance to finish their studies and graduate with a quality education that will facilitate the transition to the civilian workforce. Our servicemen and women should not be victims of the dysfunction in Washington; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we encourage the Secretary of Defense to restore the Tuition Assistance Program for those military personnel currently serving; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the United States Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Air Force, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Commandant of the Coast Guard.
