“The men and women who served this nation did not just defend the citizens of their home states, but the citizens of all 50 states. As such, the educational benefits they receive from the taxpayers should reflect that,” said Rep. Jeff Miller, (R-Fla.), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Miller and ranking committee member Mike Michaud (D-Maine) introduced the legislation. “By offering in-state tuition, service members can attend an institution of higher learning that meets their specific needs without worrying about higher costs which non-residents often must pay.”

Michael Dakduk, executive director of the Student Veterans of America (SVA), applauded the legislation – titled the GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 2013.

“Student Veterans of America believes the ‘GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 2013’ addresses the issue of inequity within the Post-9/11 GI Bill and will do a great deal to support veterans’ success in higher education,” he said.

For eligible veterans, the Post-9/11 GI Bill pays full in-state tuition and fees at public schools, including graduate studies. For students attending out-of-state, private or foreign schools, tuition and fees are capped at $18,077.50 ($19,198.31 as of Aug. 1, 2013). Students are responsible for the difference if their school doesn’t participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program or otherwise cover the costs.

“Over the last couple of years, the VFW has heard from countless veterans driven into more expensive college programs because public schools offered no flexibility in residency requirements, prohibiting veterans from attending at the in-state rate,” said VFW Executive Director Bob Wallace. “The VFW is proud to see that Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Michaud have already taken a bold stance to ensure student-veterans attending public schools receive a reasonably-priced education at the public school of their choice, as we intended when we passed the Post-9/11 GI Bill.”