Legislation expanding free tuition to all Hoosier
Purple Heart recipients on its way to the Governor
STATEHOUSE (April 21, 2009) - Legislation providing all Hoosier Purple Heart recipients free tuition to state colleges and universities is now awaiting Gov. Daniels' signature into law after Senate lawmakers today voted unanimously to concur on the legislation.
"Purple Heart recipients put their lives on the line for the cause of freedom. We owe them a debt we can never truly repay," said Sen. John Waterman (R-Shelburn), co-author of the bill. "At least we can help them received an education to build a better life for themselves and their families."
Currently, Indiana provides free tuition and fees to individuals who received a Purple Heart after Sept. 10, 2001 and children of all Purple Heart recipients. SEA 39 would remove the requirement that a Purple Heart recipient must enter active duty service in the armed forces after Sept. 10, 2001.
SEA 39 allows veterans to receive up to 124 semester credit hours to help facilitate those who go back to school part-time. To determine the amount of tuition and fees they are eligible to receive, language was included in the bill providing children of veterans or children and spouses of National Guard members who are enrolled in less than 12 credit hours during a semester to be considered enrolled for half of a semester.
The Purple Heart Medal was established on February 22, 1932 as a revival of the Badge of Military Merit originally created by Gen. George Washington in 1782. The medal is awarded to members of the armed forces who are wounded or killed by forces hostile to the United States.
