OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – Oklahoma legislators are overwhelmingly supporting expanding educational opportunities for members of the Oklahoma National Guard.
Senate Bill 31, written by Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, is headed to the Oklahoma House of Representatives after unanimous approval in the Oklahoma State Senate last week.
The bill, which scored a 47-0 vote, establishes the Oklahoma National Guard CareerTech Assistance Act, which makes vocational education more accessible and affordable for Oklahoma National Guard members by assisting them with tuition costs for programs leading to licensure or certification.
“This legislation will offer an important and valuable benefit for those who selflessly serve their communities, our state, and the nation,” Hicks said. “I want to thank my fellow senators for their bipartisan support of this measure.”
Hicks, who also works as a school teacher, praised Guard members for being a critical part of national defense and helping local communities across Oklahoma during natural disasters.
The amount of financial assistance a National Guard member receives will equal the tuition for a program leading to certification or licensure, not to exceed three
years and depending on the availability of funding.
SB31 states that Guard members who receive Assistance Act fund but do not maintain satisfactory participation in the Guard will be required to repay the amount of assistance.
The bill creates the Oklahoma National Guard CareerTech Assistance Revolving Fund for the State Board of Career and Technology Education
to provide the assistance.
Hardship waivers can be granted, according to the bill.
