ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 28, 1996 TAG: 9601290048
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: RICHMOND
Fred Ripley is pursuing his history degree at Christopher Newport University one class at a time because that's all he can afford as a serviceman who must pay out-of-state tuition.
His hopes of taking a heavier course load were dashed Friday when a legislative committee voted 11-9 to kill a bill allowing colleges to offer in-state tuition to active-duty military personnel.
Supporters of the bill said it would be a good way to thank the military for its contributions to Virginia's economy. Opponents argued it would cost financially strapped colleges money.
Ripley, who is stationed at the Coast Guard base in Yorktown, said the current law unfairly punishes him for two personal choices: serving his country and keeping his citizenship in Washington state.
``We have to make a lot of personal sacrifices,'' Ripley told the House of Delegates' Education Committee. ``We have no choice where we are sent. The out-of-state tuition rate precludes me from advancing further in my education.''
Military personnel can get in-state tuition if they establish Virginia citizenship, but many choose not to do so for various reasons.
- Associated Press
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines KEYWORDS: GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1996by CNB