Van Orden Introduces the MGIB-SR Tuition Fairness Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) was joined by Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) in introducing the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR) Tuition Fairness Act. This bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide greater access to educational opportunities for veterans by requiring public higher education institutions to charge in-state tuition rates for veterans using MGIB-SR.

“One of my top priorities as Chairman of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee is increasing educational access and career opportunities for veterans,” said Congressman Van Orden. “The Third District is home to Ft. McCoy, one of the largest Army Reserve installations in the country, and I often hear from Reservists that their inability to utilize the same tuition benefits as other GI Bill beneficiaries can result in a heavy financial burden should they wish to pursue higher education. Our Reservists served our nation honorably, and the MGIB-SR Tuition Fairness Act will rightfully provide long overdue parity so that they can enjoy furthering their education at the same cost as all other veterans.”

“Servicemembers, Reservists, and veterans of the post-Gulf War era are some of the most educated demographic of those who put on the uniform — and it’s all thanks to the GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve program,” said Rep. Morgan McGarvey. “This bipartisan, commonsense legislation expands on the promise to look after those who've proudly served our country, and will ensure a more affordable education for our nation’s Reservists, creating a pathway to better jobs and educational opportunities.”

“The Reserve Organization of America thanks Chairman Van Orden and Rep. McGarvey for introducing the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve Tuition Assistance Fairness Act,” said ROA’s executive director, retired Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey E. Phillips. “Congress overlooked requiring that MGIB-SR courses be priced at in-state tuition rates, despite that pricing being required for all other GI Bill programs. The MGIB-SR Tuition Fairness Act simply closes this loophole and recognizes the contributions made by those in the reserve components, who, like their active component counterparts, dedicate their life to defend us all.”

“On behalf of our 1.6 million dues-paying members, The American Legion is proud to support this critical legislative proposal which seeks to enhance educational benefits available for qualifying reservists,” said The American Legion National VE&E Chairman Jay Bowen. “By ensuring in-state tuition is granted to selected reservists regardless of residency, this bill will provide more educational pathways and greater career opportunities to qualifying reservists.”

Supporting organizations: Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, Special Operations Association of America, Veterans Education Project, Military Officers Association of America, Reserve Organization of America

To read the full bill, click here.