Senate considers bill to simplify veterans’ tuition

A bill to help injured military veterans went before a legislative committee at the Nebraska State Capitol on Thursday and was greeted with strong support.

Sen. Tom White's LB17 would supply Nebraska veterans suffering combat-related injuries or disabilities with tuition at state and community colleges, including the University of Nebraska.

Initially, schools would cover the veterans' tuition expenses. However, "if the colleges need help, I'd be the first to try to stand up and help them get money," White said.

During the hearing, White said the U.S. government doesn't always pay up when servicemen need the help. Strict federal regulations and long waiting periods can bar veterans from receiving timely, much-needed financial support, he said.

"The Veterans Administration seems absolutely mired in red tape," he said. "I don't know why (veterans) should need to put their lives on hold for two or three years to re-integrate into society."

Three people testified before the legislature's Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee in support of the bill, while no one spoke against it.

Wendy Johnson, a representative for the National Guard Association, stressed that the federal program focuses too much on employee placement, while providing tuition only "if needed."

Johnson said it's important for the state to have a blanket bill that grants benefits without the hassle.

"LB17 – it's important. It's valuable to those Nebraskans who fall through the (federal) gaps," she said.

Air National Guard Master Sgt. James Morbach, who works in retention and recruitment, said benefits are some of the largest advantages and biggest drawbacks of the military.

He said his office is bombarded with calls from veterans about the government's slow or nonexistent payments.

In addition, some private universities in Nebraska have had issues with tuition benefits, but he didn't know what the "disconnect" is at UNL.

LB17 was introduced on Jan. 8. It is now in the hands of the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee to be revised before it can move on to the legislative floor.

teresalostroh@dailynebraskan.com