SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Senate unanimously passed a bill on Feb. 27 that would make all members of the Oregon National Guard eligible for in-state tuition, regardless of where they live.
“This bill is just another way to maintain connections and recognize the service of Guard members to Oregon, even if they live in other states,” said Russell Gibson, the Government and Legislative Affairs Director of the Oregon Military Department.
Under existing Oregon law members of the military who live in other states but are stationed in Oregon already qualify for in-state tuition.
Senate Bill 798 would extend the benefits of in-state tuition to all Oregon National Guard members, including those who live or work out-of-state.
Sen. Mark Meek (D) sponsored the bill, saying “this new policy will make higher education more affordable for Oregon soldiers and airmen, and it can help recruit and retain National Guard members here.”
Between the Army and Air National Guard there are roughly 7,000 Guard members in Oregon, according to Gibson.
About 1,200 of those live in other states, whether just over the border in Washington and Idaho, or across the country.
SB 798 would “recognize the service to Oregon of Guard members who have moved away, but who still serve in Oregon,” according to Gibson, who is aware of members as far away as Alaska, Hawaii, Kansas and Minnesota who still return to Oregon to fulfill their Guard duties.
The next step for SB 798 is consideration in the Oregon House of Representatives.
