SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Continuing his effort to support veterans, service members and their families, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is cosponsoring legislation that exempts the children of wounded veterans from paying portions of tuition at Illinois public universities.
"Illinois sends thousands of brave men and women to serve in the military, and each year too many return with wounds that will continue to affect their lives," Smiddy said. "Illinois should be certain that we stand behind the families that defend our nation."
Smiddy is sponsoring House Bill 3476 to grant a tuition waiver at public universities in Illinois for the sons or daughters of wounded veterans. The percent of tuition waived is based on the severity of injuries, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs' determination of disability. The tuition waiver is valid for 124 credit hours as long as the student remains in good academic standing at the state institution.
"Too often, veterans return from their service with injuries that can have a negative financial impact for their family, and these restrictions can reduce their ability to put their children through school," Smiddy said. "This bill will help honor the sacrifice of Illinois' veterans by helping them give their children the education they deserve."
House Bill 3476 passed the Illinois House with bipartisan support and now awaits consideration in the Senate.
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