Wisconsin Legislators Propose Bold Changes to Support Military Members and Veterans' Education

In a recent conversation with Representative Joers from District 79, a staunch advocate for Wisconsin's military, we explored pivotal legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening education support for military members and veterans. Representative Joers has emerged as a leading force in a growing bipartisan coalition of legislators, tirelessly working to advance these bills.

Our discussion revolved around three critical bills addressing concerns related to entrance fees, tuition grants, and property tax credits. Today, our focus centers on the transformative changes related to admission fees and tuition reimbursement, with a forthcoming exploration of property tax credits scheduled for Wednesday.

AB 239: Empowering Veterans' Families Through Education Access

At the forefront of these legislative changes is AB 239.  This bill seeks to solidify tuition and fee remission for eligible veterans' spouses and children enrolled in the University of Wisconsin or technical college system. A notable provision includes the waiver of entrance fees for Technical Colleges and UW Schools, offering substantial financial relief to military families pursuing higher education.

This legislation underscores Wisconsin's commitment to recognizing and honoring the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. The elimination of entrance fees stands as a testament to Representative Joers' dedication to easing financial burdens on those seeking education within the University of Wisconsin and technical college system.

AB 772: Streamlining Tuition Support for National Guard Students

Representative Joers, a fervent advocate for military support, has played a pivotal role in AB 772. This bill addresses challenges faced by National Guard students utilizing the Wisconsin Tuition Grant. Currently, students bear upfront costs and await reimbursement after meeting semester requirements, potentially resulting in two months of tied-up tuition. The proposed change entails the State of Wisconsin paying for tuition upfront, verifying requirements at the semester's end, and requiring reimbursement if requirements are not met.

This streamlined approach, championed by Representative Joers, ensures more timely support for National Guard students, eliminating the need for them to cover upfront costs. In cases where requirements are not met, students would be responsible for reimbursing the state, aligning the process with the goal of efficient and effective support for National Guard members.

Wisconsin Veterans Grant for Private Nonprofit Schools: A Crucial Lifeline for Veterans

Beyond legislative bills, Representative Joers' commitment to military and veteran support extends through the Veterans Grant for Private Nonprofit Schools. This collaboration between the Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs benefits qualified veterans, spouses, and children pursuing education at private nonprofit institutions affiliated with the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU).

The grant covers up to $2,000 or 50% of tuition charges, with private institutions matching the grant amount. It can be utilized for up to 128 credits or eight semesters, seamlessly combining with benefits received under the Wisconsin G.I. Bill. Representative Joers' leadership ensures efficient administration and certification for veterans accessing education benefits.  

Conclusion: A Unified Approach to Veteran Support

As Representative Joers spearheads a growing bipartisan coalition, Wisconsin legislators are diligently working towards comprehensive changes, reflecting the state's commitment to fostering accessible and supportive education for military members, veterans, and their families. Stay tuned for our Wednesday discussion, where we will delve into the proposed reduction in the property tax credit threshold. Representative Joers and the bipartisan coalition are hopeful that both sides can collaborate to enact meaningful legislation, further improving the lives of those who have served our nation.

Please visit Veteran's Resources for additional information about the Wisconsin Tuition Grant, and updates on the legislation. 

John Reuter 

USAF Veteran & Founder The Veteran Realtor Podcast