Senators pass bill to establish tuition waiver program for Guam veterans

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

The 38th Guam Legislature has passed a bill that seeks to expand educational opportunities for Guam veterans.

Bill 202-38, titled “the Guam Veterans Higher Education Benefits Act,” would establish a tuition waiver program for eligible veterans at the University of Guam and the Guam Community College. 

When capacity allows, the waiver would extend to their spouses and dependents.

“Our veterans have given so much to our island and our country,” said Sen. Vince Borja, author of Bill 202-38.

Vince Borja

The legislature passed the bill on Thursday.

“This bill is about making sure (the veterans) and their families have real access to higher education and a better future here at home," Borja said.

In an earlier statement, Borja clarified that Bill 202-38 “does not promise free tuition without structure or accountability."

He explained that the tuition waiver would apply only if the veteran exhausted all available federal education benefits.

“This is not symbolic. It is a targeted policy designed to address real gaps that still prevent veterans from accessing higher education,” Borja said.

The bill, he added, is designed to fill the gaps left by federal funding, addressing the unique financial challenges veterans face in completing their degrees and supporting their dependents' education.

Borja noted that Guam already provides tuition waivers and assistance for senior citizens, nursing students and merit-based students.

“Extending that same consideration to veterans is consistent with our existing values and policies,” he added.

Senators also passed Bill 215-38, which proposes waiving sanitary permit fees for student organizations, school groups and parent-teacher organizations that conduct food-based fundraisers, while maintaining all health and safety inspection requirements.

“Students and families should not be discouraged from raising funds for their schools because of avoidable fees. We can protect public health and still make it easier for students to succeed,” said Borja, author of Bill 215-38.

“The measure is intended to support students by reducing unnecessary costs that can limit fundraising efforts,” he added.

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