Haddon Heights, NJ – Today, while visiting with servicemembers at New Jersey’s top military installations, Congressman Norcross hailed the passage of legislation he championed in the New Jersey State Senate that will allow veterans attending New Jersey’s public colleges or universities to pay in-state tuition rates. 
 
Titled the New Jersey Tuition Equality for America’s Military (NJTEAM) Act, the bill implements federal law requiring in-state tuition rates for recent veterans and their families and expands its coverage to apply to all veterans, their spouses, and dependents. While the federal law only covers veterans for three years after their military discharge, Norcross’ bill extends in-state tuition to all veterans – regardless of their date of discharge. Therefore, any veteran or covered individual attending a public institution of higher education in New Jersey while living in the state will be considered a resident for the purpose of determining tuition, irrespective of the veteran’s or covered individual’s state of residence. The legislation cleared the state legislature yesterday and now heads to the Governor’s desk for approval. 
 
“After the sacrifice our veterans have made, they should have every right to call any state their home,” said Congressman Norcross during his tours of the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Picatinny Arsenal, and Naval Weapons Station Earle. “Nobody who wore the uniform of our nation’s armed forces should be denied a world-class education in New Jersey because they cannot afford the out-of-state price tag. This bill is not just a show of support and appreciation for America’s veterans – it will help countless vets and their families get the tools they need to join the workforce and grow our economy.”
 
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Norcross remains committed to ensuring that our veterans and the men and women in our armed forces receive the benefits they have earned and deserve by protecting our freedoms. For more information on the NJTEAM Act, visit http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2014/Bills/S1000/849_U1.PDF