Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C,I-Ballston) is encouraging constituents to sign a petition to allow Gold Star families expanded access to free SUNY and CUNY tuition, following the Assembly Majority’s decision to block Assembly bill A.2991. Currently, scholarships are only offered to family members whose parents have been killed during combat. This bill would expand these scholarships to include family members of military men and women who have died while serving. Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, chairwoman of the Higher Education Committee, called the proposal “an entitlement” and sparked national outrage. Now, the Assembly Minority Conference has created a petition calling for the passage of this bill before the end of this Legislative Session.

“Although this bill won’t bring our fallen service members back, this bill ensures that their children can continue their education and build a future for themselves. Gold Star families have dealt with incredible tragedy and loss, and it is critically important that we pass this bill as a way to honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”