College aid may drop for children of disabled veterans

The Indiana legislature has reviewed several cuts to college aid in a package to reduce spending, and one cut may cause dissent among veteran groups.

Under a new bill, children of disabled Indiana veterans would no longer receive full college scholarships.

Since 1935, Indiana has guaranteed full payment of tuition and normal fees so that children of disabled or deceased veterans could attend college.

But under the new bill, children of veterans less than 80 percent disabled would receive a minimum aid of 20 percent of the cost of college, plus the percentage of the parent’s disability.

Children of deceased veterans or veterans at least 80 percent disabled would still receive a full scholarship.

During the 2009-10 school year about 6000 students received a full scholarship. The state budget had appropriated $20.5 million for the program, but it was not enough. Colleges had to cover a $2.2 million shortfall.

The Indiana Senate passed the bill Thursday with a vote of 32-17, and the bill will soon be voted on in the House.