Vets get payback: in-state tuition
DENVER - If you've served in the military, an enormous discount is on your doorstep.
House Bill 1039, sponsored by Rep. Frank McNulty and Sen. Mike Kopp, both Republicans, would grant in-state tuition to all veterans when they arrive in Colorado. Currently, veterans must live in Colorado for at least one calendar year and become residents before qualifying for the lower tuition.
The bill nearly died in a House committee, when lawmakers realized it would cost the state $2 million in its first year, at a time when legislators were struggling to fill a $1.4 billion hole in this year's and next year's budgets.
McNulty and Kopp succeeded, however, with their argument that the bill would actually bring in more money to higher education by increasing enrollment.
"They'll probably see more money because of this, because they'll be filling seats that they wouldn't otherwise," said McNulty.
The bill was altered in that committee hearing to give colleges and universities the choice of whether or not to grant in-state tuition, but McNulty ultimately succeeded in making it a mandate.
The bill was given new life a month ago when Sen. Chris Romer, D-Denver, proposed granting the children of illegal immigrants in-state tuition. Romer suggested at the time that veterans should be included in his bill, but many vets protested that they were being equated to illegal immigrants.
The bill was given a final thumbs up by the Senate on Friday morning. The change back to a mandate still has to be approved by the House, but McNulty said he's confident it will pass with ease.
Veterans would also be eligible for the Colorado Opportunity Fund, which sponsors tuition vouchers for in-state students.
Kopp, a former Army Ranger, said he wound up paying out-of-state tuition for six months until he gained residency. He earned a master's degree in public administration from the University of Denver.
"We're promising to our guardians of freedom that if you serve your country honorably, you have this benefit waiting for you," he said.
