Whereas, the Maine National Guard is a valuable resource for the State of Maine; and

Whereas, those in service to Maine deserve to be recognized and rewarded for their service; and

Whereas, it is imperative that this legislation take effect in time to allow members of the Maine National Guard to attend classes in the next school year; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Resolve 1999, c. 121, §1, sub-§2 amended. Resolved: That Resolve 1999, c. 121, §1, sub-§2 is amended to read:

2. Tuition grant for Maine National Guard member. A Maine National Guard member who meets the prerequisites of subsection 3 is entitled to a 100% tuition grant at any state postsecondary education institution. A member who attends a state regionally accredited private college or university is entitled to a grant of 100% of the tuition at that private college or university or of the tuition at any state postsecondary education institution, whichever is less. The Maine National Guard shall provide the cost of tuition to a member who meets the requirements of subsection 3.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This resolve amends the National Guard Education Assistance Pilot Program by granting a tuition grant to a National Guard member who attends a private college or university of up to 100% of the private college or university tuition or the tuition at a state postsecondary education institution, whichever is less.