Governor Signs Bill Waiving In-state Tuition for Maine Guardsmen

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Gov. Paul R. LePage signs the tuition bill, part of L.D. 1612, into law on April 14. On hand with members of the Maine National Guard. The bill provides free in-state tuition rates to State Colleges

AUGUSTA, ME (04/14/2016)(readMedia)-- Brig. Gen. Douglas A. Farnham, the Adjutant General for the Maine National Guard, is pleased to announce that current Maine National Guard service members may attend post-secondary institutions tuition free.

The tuition bill, part of L.D. 1612, was signed into law on April 14. The bill provides free in-state tuition rates to the University of Maine system, the Maine Maritime Academy, the Maine Community College System.

"I am proud to sign this bill into law," said Governor LePage. "Our veterans give so much to our state and nation and ask for so little in return. The experience they gain in military service brings valuable skills and talented employees to our workforce. It is only right that we should give back to them, provide the services they deserve."

The tuition bill will place Maine on par with other New England states that offer its National Guard members free in-state tuition.

"This is a tremendous day for the Maine National Guard," Farnham said. "The tuition bill will go a long way toward recruiting and retaining our Maine National Guard force and keep our talented men and women here in Maine where they belong."

"The inclusion of both monetary assistance and a waiver not only shows the State of Maine's commitment to helping our service members achieve their academic goals, but also the educational institutions' commitment to our guardsmen," Farnham said.

Command Sgt. Maj. Stacy Hafford, Recruiting and Retention Battalion senior enlisted advisor for the Maine Army National Guard said "This bill is an extremely important piece of legislation for our organization. It will attract some of our best and brightest young citizens to join our team and earn their degree right here in Maine. It will also provide incentive to those leaving the active duty military and returning home with the intent to go back to school and earn a college education."

Senior Master Sgt. John Cyr, recruiting and retention superintendent for the Maine Air National Guard said the tuition bill becomes an added incentive to join the Maine National Guard and will greatly assist in recruiting efforts, while simultaneously helping airmen and soldiers obtain their personal and professional goals.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Maine Air National Guard members to obtain their degree from Maine colleges and universities, where they live, work, and serve," said Cyr.

For Maine National Guard service members to be eligible for this benefit, they must be enrolled, or accepted, into a post-secondary education institution and not have previously earned a bachelor's degree or equivalent.