COLCHESTER, Vt. (AP) - Leaders of the Green Mountain Boys say recruits are being siphoned away by neighboring states because of Vermont’s low tuition reimbursement rate.
The Burlington Free Press reports (https://bfpne.ws/2euWfAt ) that all other New England states provide full education benefits for members of the National Guard.
A tuition waiver bill in Vermont died in the Legislature for a lack of funding. The Guard estimates a full education benefit would cost about $750,000 a year and climb to about $1 million. That’s an increase from $250,000 currently available for limited tuition assistance.
Vermont National Guard 1st Sgt. Derek Laferriere did two tours in Iraq as a flight medic, and is currently studying to become a nurse. He said he’d receive full tuition reimbursement if he served in any other New England state.
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Information from: The Burlington Free Press, https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com
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