Thursday, May 18, 2006

Gov.Doyle (D),WI. to OK Free Tuition for Veterans

Wisconsin veterans would be eligible for free tuition at University of Wisconsin campuses and the state's technical colleges under a bill Gov. Jim Doyle said he would sign in the coming days.

The UW System and the Wisconsin Technical College System are warning they may have to charge other students higher tuition to pick up the estimated $9 million annual cost, though a spokesman for a key Republican leader says lawmakers will consider setting aside money for the benefits.

Doyle, a Democrat, told reporters Wednesday the benefits were worth the cost even if they mean cuts to other university services. He said recent deaths of Wisconsin soldiers highlight "how important it is that we support veterans and we make sure when they come back they can get on with education."

"I look forward to signing it," said Doyle, whose plan to sign the bill Saturday has been delayed so he can attend the funeral of a Pleasant Prairie soldier killed in Iraq.

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