(WXYZ) — The Michigan House unanimously passed a bill Thursday that would give free college to children of law enforcement and first responders who are killed in the line of duty.
The bill, introduced by House Democrat Matt Koleszar from Plymouth, would allow school-aged children of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty to have tuition-free college. It now moves onto the Michigan Senate for consideration.
“These families have already made the ultimate sacrifice and it is the least we can do to honor the memories of their loved ones who gave their lives protecting us,” Koleszar said in a release. “The progress of this bill wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless advocacy of first responders, their families and the support of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. To me, there is no better feeling here in Lansing than when we come together as one to help people.”
There is a Police Officer's and Fire Fighter's Survivor Tuition Grant Act that is available for children of officers & firefighters killed in the line of duty. They do have to meet established criteria, including being on a limited family income.
Under the bill passed by the House, it would ensure all children, no matter their family's circumstances, get benefits from the program.
