Bills helping veterans find jobs and afford college advance to governor

INDIANAPOLIS – Two pieces of legislation that would help veterans find employment and afford higher education are on the way to Gov. Mike Pence for final approval. Both bills are sponsored by State Rep. Karlee Macer (D-Indianapolis) and were passed by members of the Indiana House this week.

Senate Bill 298 establishes the veterans’ preference employment policy, which gives preference to hiring or retaining veteran employees over other applicants or employees.

“Hoosier veterans often have difficulty finding jobs when they return to their families,” said Macer. “These honorable men and women were looking out for us while bravely defending our freedom. I believe assisting Indiana veterans and military families now is the right thing to do.”

Senate Bill 434 qualifies non-resident Indiana National Guard members and eligible veterans for in-state tuition at higher education institutions. The resident tuition rate applies to both undergraduate and graduate courses.

“This bill follows through with our state Legislature’s promises to help veterans and military families in Indiana attain and afford higher education,” said Macer. “More students would also be eligible to participate in Employment Aid Readiness Network (EARN) Indiana, which is the state’s revamped work-study program.”

In the EARN Indiana program, students with financial need have access to resume-building, paid internships. Professional experience and network opportunities aim to prepare students for their careers after graduation. Employers receive state matching funds in exchange for hiring these students.

SB 434 provides that the Commission for Higher Education can only consider the student’s residency status for federal or state financial aid purposes. Even if a student is listed as a dependent, parental residency status may not be considered when determining financial need.

State Reps. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) and Dennis Zent (R-Angola) also co-authored the legislation.