Guard dependents may get tuition help

A bill waiving tuition for family members of service men and women killed in the line of duty debuts today, with overwhelming support from the state's chief executive.

HB309, the "Scott B. Lundell Tuition Waiver for National Guard Members' Surviving Dependents," is sponsored by Rep. Greg Hughes, R-Draper. It is named after a West Valley man and Utah National Guard 2nd Lieutenant killed in Afghanistan last November.

The bill seeks to waive the undergraduate tuition at state colleges and universities for the dependents of National Guard members killed in active duty. The waiver is good for up to eight semesters, roughly enough for a bachelor's degree.

"This has my unwavering support," Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. said at a press conference Thursday, encouraging residents to voice support for the measure at today's 8 a.m. House Education Standing Committee meeting in room W135.

"Scott Lundell, besides being a great and courageous soldier ... was a husband and father of four," said Huntsman, who also spoke at Lundell's memorial service. "Let us never forget soldiers leave behind family members" who struggle in their loss.

Hughes noted the bill is similar to one the House passed last year, but that wilted on the Senate vine in the session's final hours. He called the measure an acknowledgement of the state's debt to military families' sacrifice.

"Anything we can do as state policy makers to acknowledge that ... and try to repay that debt — it is our obligation," Hughes said.

Lundell's wife, Jeanine, called the bill's title a great honor. "This will help support ... families and make educational dreams possible for them."

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E-mail: jtcook@desnews.com