Republicans question changes to vet tuition bill

DENVER - Republicans are livid after a House committee rejected a plan that would require the state to provide instate college tuition to military veterans and their dependents.

The House Appropriations Committee on Friday approved an amendment to a bill allowing colleges to decide whether to provide instate tuition to vets and their dependents. The bill now goes to the full House for debate.

Republicans say it's unlikely colleges will voluntarily offer lower tuition rates because of the state's fiscal crisis.

They also say they don't understand how Democrats can claim a bill providing instate tuition for military families would cost the state $2 million a year, while a similar bill providing instate tuition for the children of illegal immigrants would actually generate money because more children would be going to college.

"There's a huge disconnect to say that a bill by Democrats to provide instate tuition for those here illegally doesn't cost a dime and my bill granting instate tuition to people who served our country would cost $2 million in lost state revenue. It should be the same for both groups," said Rep. Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, who sponsored the bill.

A legislative financial analysis found there are 162 veterans who attend state universities and pay nonresident tuition. Analysts said granting lower tuition to them would cut revenue by nearly $2 million.

Analysts said the bill granting instate tuition to the children of illegal immigrants would bring in an estimated $661,000 from an estimated 50 students.

Instate tuition saves residents an average $10,800 a year.

Rep. Jack Pommer, D-Boulder, said if military veterans were offered discounts, other students would have to pick up the tab. He said colleges and universities face $300 million in cuts next year, forcing them to find ways to make up the difference.

"I'm reluctant to ask them to take on this burden when we're already increasing tuition substantially," Pommer said.

Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, said the costs were minimal.

"This is a small price to pay for our underpaid veterans and those people who devote their lives and put their lives on the line," Sonnenberg said.