Search Newsroom

Oklahoma City (April 23, 2009) State Capitol - Legislation passed by the House today was successfully amended to include a new measure granting free tuition for families of fallen soldiers wishing to attend Oklahoma colleges and universities. Rep. Eric Proctor, D-Tulsa, offered the amendment, which has been previously known as the "Heroes Promise Act."

This new program would provide in-state tuition waivers to dependents of Oklahoma military servicemen and woman killed in the line of duty after January 1, 2000, for a period of up to 48 months.

"Considering these men and women have given their lives to preserve our freedoms, it is fitting that we give their families the opportunity to enjoy the freedom that a college education provides," he stated. "The families of fallen soldiers often lose not just a beloved family member, but also a breadwinner. Losing a husband or a mother who is a soldier can also mean losing a dream of attending college. This is the very least we can do to thank these families for enduring such a sacrifice."

Originally, the Heroes Promise Act was written as HB1422, which passed the House earlier this year 97-0. However, it was refused a hearing in the Senate. The amendment was attached to SB982, coauthored by Rep. Todd Thomsen, which would change certain criteria to determine OHLAP (Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program) eligibility.

"I am grateful that Rep. Thomsen supported this amendment and asked for it to be accepted by unanimous consent," Rep. Proctor added. "Honoring our soldiers and their families for courageous service and tremendous sacrifice should not be a partisan issue, and the broad-based support behind my amendment reflected that fact."

The measure will now be debated in conference committee.