Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R,C,I,Ref-Smithtown) co-sponsors legislation which would provide scholarships to the dependents of military men and women who are killed while in the performance of their official duties. The bill would create a merit scholarship to cover the cost of tuition and room and board at any SUNY or CUNY school.

“The children of our military men and women make incredible sacrifices while their parents serve our country, and at times the sacrifice is greater than we can imagine. Our legislation would provide needed assistance to children of military parents killed while in the performance of their official duties,” said Fitzpatrick, who is a member of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education. “This is an opportunity where we can step up to show our thanks and ensure the future for these children. It is a shame that the Assembly Majority, in committee, rejected our legislation, which has rank-and-file bipartisan support. Unfortunately this bill will not come to the Assembly floor for a vote this year.”

Over the objection of the Assembly Majority, this year’s budget provided $27 million in scholarships for, so called, Dreamers. These are children of illegal immigrants with no legal status in the United States. “It is a shame that the children of our fallen military do no merit equal treatment,” added Fitzpatrick.