Adjust Text Size

For Immediate Release
3/23/10
Back to Releases

Senate Passes Pippy Bill Allowing Higher Ed Schools to Offer Lower Tuition to Military Personnel

Harrisburg – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. John Pippy (R-37) that would allow colleges to offer lower, in-state tuition rates for on-line courses to military personnel.

Senate Bill 87 permits a community college, state-related or state-owned institution of higher learning to charge resident tuition rates to active duty military personnel, their spouses and dependents receiving courses or other services through the Internet or other electronic means.

Current law does not allow these institutions to offer the in-state tuition rate to servicemen and women unless they are state residents.

The Senator drafted the legislation with input from the State System of Higher Education, which is working to expand their course offerings to military personnel.

"Much is asked of our country's men and women in uniform, and this is one small way to return the commitment they have made to the nation," said Pippy. "Military personnel would benefit from it, and schools want to offer it. This bill gives those schools the option to make it available."

Senator Pippy introduced similar legislation in the previous legislative session. The measure was approved by the Senate but was not voted on in the House of Representatives.

CONTACT: