| Gov. Schwarzenegger Urges Legislators to Support Bill Providing California National Guard Higher Education Benefits California Only State Offering No Higher Education Benefit to Reward and Retain State National Guard Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today urged legislators to pass SB 815, a bill proposed by the Governor and carried by Senator Dave Cogdill. Long overdue, this legislation is designed to close a gap within the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill allowing only Guard members who serve on a federal mission (such as in Iraq or Afghanistan) to be eligible for higher education benefits, leaving thousands of Guard members who serve closer to home without such benefits. California is currently the only state in the nation that has yet to close this gap and offer an education incentive to reward and retain National Guard members. “This legislation is long overdue and reflects a basic truth – that each and every member of our Armed Forces who risks their life for this nation deserves a chance to go to college, to build a bright future and to fulfill their American dream,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “I urge every state legislator to stand up in support of our California National Guard members and the future of their higher education.” The passage of SB 815 would establish the California National Guard (CNG) Education Assistance Program, making available $3.6 million to help approximately 1,300 guard members pay tuition and some fees at California’s universities and community colleges. To qualify for a this benefit, a CNG member would be required to be: a California resident and a two-year active member of the CNG, State Military Reserve or the Naval Militia; accepted to or enrolled in a certificate, degree or diploma program at a qualifying institution; and enrolled in at least three units, or the equivalent, per semester. “This higher education assistance program will not only benefit our members and help bring California in-line with the rest of the nation, but will also enhance our retention rates as has been the case with similar efforts in other states,” said Maj. Gen. William H. Wade II, Adjutant General of the California National Guard. “I stand with Gov. Schwarzenegger in urging the swift passage of this legislation to give those that have given so much of themselves, access to a brighter future.” ————– MilitaryConnection.com, a portal of all things military, has become the “go to” site for resources, news and information that is of importance to the military audience. We have thousands of pages and hundreds of databases to keep you current on the information you need to have. With something for everyone, we take pride in providing all of our resources free to users. Additionally, we feature all types of Articles like this one to keep you informed. We will post your press releases, special events, newsletters, professional conferences and seminars, reunions, job fairs, and videos to help organizations get out the word. One of the areas of our focus is connecting candidates from the military community with outstanding government and civilian employers. We are well aware that candidates from the military community across the board have a work ethic second to none. They make highly valued employees. MilitaryConnection.com has a multitude of employment resources including a Directory of over 30,000 employers, Job Tips, Columns, Virtual Job Fair and our new and improved Job Board, featuring our Virtual Marketplace where you can post free ads for items you want to buy, sell or rent , and much more. We understand the importance of education. Please check out our new Scholarship Directory featuring thousands of scholarships. When the next tour is back home, it’s on MilitaryConnection.com. |