Lawmakers to consider military tuition waiver

Military members and veterans in Utah who have received a Purple Heart for being injured while on active duty can already qualify for a tuition waiver as an undergraduate student at any one of Utah's public colleges or universities.

Rep. Roger Barrus, R-Centerville, wants to extend that offer to the same group of people if they are applying for a tuition waiver as a graduate student.

Responding to a constituent's request for legislation to create the new waiver, Barrus said he isn't sure yet how many would qualify to take advantage of the offer.

"For those who would like to have it, it's very meaningful," he said on the phone. "I think it's a great thing to do for our military members, who have been serving and sacrificing."

The 2008 Legislature is expected to consider Barrus' bill after the session begins Jan. 21.