All veterans to become eligible for free tuition at Ohio colleges

[obie7661]

...One university president called a new effort by the governor to attract veterans to Ohio and its colleges a "stroke of genius."

Gov. Ted Strickland signed an executive order today that makes all members of the military honorary Ohioans, no matter what state they were born in or where they live or serve, making them eligible for in-state tuition at all of the state's colleges and universities. That means their tuition is free under both the current and a new federal GI Bill....

http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?ID=419666&r=0&Category=13&subCategoryID=0

[Submariner]

I am glad you kept up on the news, that makes me happy!!! I am going to try it out, and see if it is very real!!!!!!

[TigerCoach]

The government never does anything without "robbing Paul to pay Peter". I feel bad for the non-veteran students, who in the future, will see annual tuition increases to offset the costs. I also wonder where the GI Bill is going to get the funds to do this?:scratchchin:

[dataintsmiff]

I think its a great idea. Nothing wrong with serving in the military for a few years and getting a free eductaion. Sounds like a win win to me!

[TigerCoach]

I'm all for the free tuition for those who put their lives on the line for our freedom. I'm just wondering where this funding is coming from. If it comes from another budget item that is useless, then I'm all for it. But, if it comes from something like child welfare, then it's a bad idea.

[Paul Brown]

It'll come from a 2% income tax increase :)

[bs.gunn]

I don't get it. I'm all for military vets getting a free college education. So don't take this the wrong way. I'm just wondering how inviting every military vet in the US to free education in ohio is helpful. I mean what's to stop them from getting a great education and skating to another state? Is there documentation that says they're likely to stay in this state after graduating?

Again I'm all for the military getting free college education. But this doesn't seem well advised when Ohioans are already struggling to make ends meet.

There really wasn't alot to go on from the article.

Seems like there should be some stipulations. Perhaps I'm missing something here

[TigerCoach]

It'll come from a 2% income tax increase :)

That's what I'm afraid of.

[austinsm11]

I don't get it. I'm all for military vets getting a free college education. So don't take this the wrong way. I'm just wondering how inviting every military vet in the US to free education in ohio is helpful. I mean what's to stop them from getting a great education and skating to another state? Is there documentation that says they're likely to stay in this state after graduating?

Again I'm all for the military getting free college education. But this doesn't seem well advised when Ohioans are already struggling to make ends meet.

There really wasn't alot to go on from the article.

Seems like there should be some stipulations. Perhaps I'm missing something here

This is what I was thinking as well.

[TigerCoach]

I think one of the reasons most people and businesses have left Ohio already is the fact that Ohio is one of the most unfriendly tax states in the nation ranked as the 5th least tax friendly state in the country, see link). It's not just taxes, but insurance costs as well. I know several doctors who have left or have thought of leaving.

http://www.money-zine.com/Financial-Planning/Tax-Shelter/Tax-Friendly-States/

[Submariner]

In either Indiana, or Illinois, there is free education, with the stipulation from that state: that the graduate at least stays there a few years to help out their economy. After that, they are free, which is what some companies do with their employees. With so many people leaving Ohio, and I think about it often, let alone just leaving Warren, other states are progressing past us, that once were thought to be behind us in industry, education etc. So many people have left Ohio for Texas, the Carolinas, Florida, Georgia, etc. Those people aren't coming back, and the best Ohio may be able to do, is offer to slow down the exodus, but it won't completely stop it. As a vet, it is a good deal because we could use the helping hand a bit more. I don't want anyone taxed extra for this program, take it from something or some other programs that America/ Ohioans can do without and makes no sense. If Columbus can get rid of "Stupid Taxes" (take your pick), then people will be all for it.

Industry and the technology side of things will go where states are tax and business friendly, and the work force is educated or skilled and a combination of both.....