A soldier walks into the National Weather Center. Knowing their lives may be taken in an act of war, they will have the comfort knowing their families may be given an adequate education. Photo by: Clint Sloan

Military Families May Receive Help for College

Families of fallen military members may be given more aid for college thanks to a new state legislative proposal.

Also known as the "Hero's Promise Act," House Bill 1422 would provide in-state tuition waivers for 48 months to dependents of Oklahoma military servicemen and women killed in the line of duty.

Under the current Montgomery GI Bill, dependents of killed military members receive 45 months of entitlement, totaling about $900 a month. OU veterans coordinator Patricia Ingram said this money is distributed to these students by check, and if the state covers their tuition, the students could pocket that money, making it easier to bear the financial burden incurred in college.

"It would be a tremendous help," Ingram said.

The bill passed the House Appropriations and Budget Committee unanimously on Monday (2/16). Because the bill had no opposition in committee, the bill is expected to pass by the entire House floor in the coming weeks.