TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Sgt. Robert Andrzejczak to allow veterans attending a public college or university in New Jersey to pay in-state tuition rates has been signed into law.
The law (A-3967), to be known as the “New Jersey Tuition Equality for America’s Military (NJTEAM) Act,” will allow a veteran or covered individual attending a public institution of higher education in New Jersey while living in New Jersey to be considered a resident of the state for the purpose of determining tuition, regardless of the veteran’s or covered individual’s state of residence.
A “veteran” means a person who has served on active duty in Uniformed Services of the United States and was discharged or released and who qualifies for education assistance under federal law. A “covered individual” means an individual, such as a veteran’s spouse or children eligible for education assistance under federal law by virtue of their relationship to a veteran.
“For my fellow veterans, the transition to civilian life can be challenging,” said Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland), a U.S. Army veteran who served and was wounded in Iraq. “With this law, we’ll rightfully be giving veterans a helping hand and showing respect for their sacrifices and bravery in protecting our freedoms. An education is the road to a better future, so let’s make it easier for our veterans – who have given so much to our country – to obtain one.”
