The Iowa House of Representatives has passed two bills relating to higher education scholarships for Iowa National Guard members. (Photo courtesy of Iowa National Guard)
Two pieces of legislation related to higher education financial aid for members of the Iowa National Guard have passed out of the Iowa House of Representatives with a 99-0 vote.
House File 118, the first discussed during debate, would modify the monetary limits of the National Guard Service Scholarship program to not exceed “the difference between the tuition rate at the institution attended by the national guard member less any financial aid the national guard member receives under certain specified federal programs,” according to the legislation.
It would also strike language saying eligibility for scholarships or award amounts will not be impacted by where the recipient goes for drills, which unit they belong to or whether they are a member of the Iowa Army or Air National Guard.
Rep. Elinor Levin, D-Iowa City, introduced an amendment to keep this language in the bill that failed to pass. She said the National Guard, which brought forward both bills for consideration by the Legislature, did not request this language be removed and she is concerned it could open the way for unfair consideration of these factors when allocating awards.
“I appreciate that this bill is going to improve the program,” Levin said. “I don’t think we should improve it and detract from it at the same time.”
House File 117 would establish a new scholarship program for National Guard members pursuing credentials through education programs approved by the adjutant general that are not associate’s or higher-level degrees.
“This could include programs leading to certifications in cybersecurity, IT, emergency medical services or others relevant to their service in the National Guard,” said Rep. Heather Hora, R-Washington, during opening remarks on the bill.
Levin also filed an amendment to House File 117 to add the option of a summer educational program for National Guard members, which also failed. She said she had a “really interesting time” working on both bills, and she is excited to see the new scholarship program implemented.
“I think this is a great bill,” Hora said. “It was brought to us by the Iowa National Guard, and anything we can do in helping them with recruitment and retention, I think is a great thing.”
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