Temple – State Rep. Dianne White Delisi announced today that she has had legislation drafted to assist the children of severely wounded Texas soldiers. The proposed legislation would guarantee a tuition-free college education to the children of Texan members of the United States Armed Forces who become totally disabled as a result of injuries or illnesses sustained in the service of their country.


"On Sept. 11, 2001, America awoke to find itself at war," Delisi stated. "The men and women of our United States Armed Forces have since been deployed around the world in a long struggle against a fierce and dangerous enemy."


Rep. Delisi decided to propose a guaranteed free college education to the children of disabled service-members because of her representation of a section of Fort Hood and its surrounding communities. Rep. Delisi's legislation would waive tuition and certain fees for students who qualify. The bill will take into account other federal financial aid that is available, and the college education guarantee would apply to tuition and fee costs not otherwise covered.


"I represent many of these men and women from Fort Hood. Each of them has volunteered to do a difficult and dangerous task for our nation," Delisi stated. "I know many of them and their families, as well. They accept the hardships of military life without complaint, and our nation's continued strength depends upon supporting these families."


The proposed legislation would expand the college benefits now offered to Texas military veterans under the Hazlewood Act (Chapter 54 of the Texas Education Code). The Hazlewood Act contains a provision that offers assistance with college for the children of Texas veterans who die of an injury or illness directly related to their military service. Rep. Delisi's legislation will make the same benefit available to children whose military parent survived their service-related injury or illness, but was left permanently disabled.


Rep. Delisi's newly proposed legislation follows other work on behalf of military families. Delisi legislation from the 79th Regular Session in 2005 assisted the children of military families in the public school system. Prior legislation sought to establish reciprocity agreements regarding exit-level examinations within the various states to assist military students who transferred frequently.


"We cannot repay a soldier for his or her sacrifice. These severe wounds would have caused death in earlier wars," Delisi said. "With superb medical care these soldiers will hopefully live long lives, though perhaps with a reduced earning ability."


"This legislation is Texas' way of saying 'thank you for your service.' You will not have the worry of 'how will I pay for college for my kids,'" Delisi stated. "The passage of this legislation is the least that we as Texans can do."


Rep. Delisi plans to file this as her first piece of legislation for the upcoming 80th Regular Session which begins in January of 2007. The first day that a legislator may prefile legislation is November 13.

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