GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres on Wednesday approved Senate Bill 22-18 requiring Northern Marianas College to waive tuition for veterans with at least 30% service-connected disability.
Authored by Sen. Frank Q. Cruz, the bill is now Public Law 22-16.
The new law defines an eligible veteran as “a CNMI resident who was an active member of the United States military, who served in active federal service, under either Title 10 or Title 32 of the United States Code and is certified to have at least 30 percent disability as a result of serving in active military service and, if discharged from service, has received an honorable discharge.”
The new law doesn’t waive other costs like books and laboratory fees, but it requires NMC to assist each applicant in applying and submitting an application for the waiver and necessary evidence that the applicant qualifies for the waiver not later than the last class date of the semester or term to which the waiver applies.
In an interview, Cruz said his measure is a “token of appreciation” to the men and women and uniform for what they have done for the nation.
He said the veterans deserve this and other benefits because of the sacrifices they have made in fighting for freedom.
“I hope that they avail themselves of this opportunity,” the senator said.
Sen. Frank Q. Cruz speaks during a Senate session.
