Today, Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) supported a bill (A.2991) to provide free college tuition to family members of New York state military personnel who lost their lives performing their military duties. Eligibility for assistance would require the surviving dependent family members to attend a SUNY or CUNY institution. Recipients would receive free tuition and room and board through a “MERIT” scholarship. The bill was shot down by the Assembly Majority in Albany earlier today.

“Our men and women in uniform are some of the bravest in the nation and we owe them our eternal gratitude for the sacrifices they’ve made to keep us safe,” said Barclay. “The estimated cost of this bill is minuscule compared to the cost of providing tuition assistance to illegal state residents, which the Assembly Majority passed earlier this year. It’s disappointing so many legislators opposed this bill that would have made such a positive impact on the families of those who lost their lives serving our country. Nothing will ever replace a loved one, but passage of this bill could ease the pain and loss felt by those who lost a family member in the service. I’m honored to co-sponsor this bill and hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will vote it into law in the future.”