Oregon considers in-state tuition for out-of-state National Guard members

Senate Bill 798 is making waves in Oregon as it aims to extend in-state tuition rates to members of the Oregon National Guard who reside out of state. During a recent Senate Committee meeting, Colonel Russell Gibson of the Oregon Military Department emphasized the bill's significance, stating it aligns the tuition benefits of National Guard members with those of active-duty military personnel stationed in Oregon.

Currently, approximately 1,252 of the 7,800 Oregon National Guard members live outside the state, with the majority residing in Washington. The proposed legislation would allow these service members to access the same educational benefits as their in-state counterparts, potentially increasing enrollment at Oregon's public universities.

Colonel Gibson highlighted that this initiative is not just about education; it serves as a crucial tool for recruitment and retention within the Oregon National Guard. By providing this incentive, the state hopes to encourage service members to remain connected to Oregon, reducing the likelihood of them transferring their membership to other states.

While the fiscal impact of the bill remains uncertain, Colonel Gibson noted that any increase in attendance at Oregon schools would likely be a net positive. The committee members expressed strong support for the bill, recognizing its potential to benefit both service members and the state's educational institutions.

As the discussion continues, the focus remains on how this legislation can enhance the lives of Oregon's National Guard members and strengthen their ties to the state.