News and Music Discovery
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Gov. Bevin: State Will Reimburse Universities to Admit Nat. Guard Students

Kentucky National Guard

More than 700 Kentucky Guard members denied tuition assistance due to an unforeseen funding shortfall will see their tuition fronted by the state.

Republican Gov. Matt Bevin says Kentucky university and community college presidents have agreed to admit National Guard members until the state can reimburse schools for tuition. 

In a news release yesterday, Bevin's office said the Republican governor met with higher education leaders to request that Kentucky National Guard members be able to enroll for the spring semester with the understanding that the state will reimburse the universities for any funding shortfall in the upcoming budget session.  

“I am pleased to announce that we have found a solution for the Guard members who were denied tuition assistance due to a lack of funds,” said Governor Bevin. “This afternoon I met with the university and community college presidents and they have graciously agreed to front the tuition assistance for the Guard members until the state is able to provide reimbursement.

“This solution will ensure that the Kentucky Guard members’ academic enrollment is not adversely impacted while we work to finalize funding,” Bevin continued. “I thank the leaders of our higher education community, Sen. McDaniel, and Adjutant General Hogan for partnering with us in this effort to restore the benefits that had been promised. This program is a small token of appreciation for the sacrifices made by the men and women serving us proudly in the Guard.”

The $5.3 million tuition assistance program is about $1 million to $2 million short of the amount needed to cover all the requested assistance.  

The administration is looking at funding options both within the current budget as well as the budget for the upcoming session.

The House and Senate leadership have expressed commitment to ensure that this obligation is met in the next budget cycle.

The Governor's office recommends that Kentucky National Guard members that have been affected should directly contact their higher education institution with questions.

Rob Canning is a native of Murray, KY, a 2015 TV Production grad of Murray State. At MSU, he served as team captain of the Murray State Rowing Club. Rob's goal is to become a screenwriter, film director or producer and looks to the likes of Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie for inspiration. He appreciates good music, mainly favoring British rock n' roll, and approves of anything with Jack White's name on it. When not studying, rowing or writing, Rob enjoys spending his free time with a book or guitar.
Related Content