LANSING – Members of the Michigan Legislature this week welcomed representatives of Michigan’s universities to the Capitol, where members of the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan signed a pact allowing students of Michigan’s military families whose parents are transferred out of state to pay in-state tuition rates.

“The members of our armed forces make tremendous sacrifices as they fight to protect our nation, and their families do as well,” said State Representative Gino H. Polidori (D-Dearborn). “In today’s global economy, it’s essential for our students to be prepared to compete for the good-paying jobs of the 21st century, and that means having a good college education. This agreement … will help make it more affordable for the children of service members to attend college in Michigan, which is great for both our students and our state.”

The pact will allow students who have one or more parent serving in the armed forces to qualify for in-state tuition rates if their parents are transferred to another state. Under the agreement, Michigan’s universities will grant in-state tuition to active-duty members of the armed forces, their spouses and their dependents if the service member is a Michigan resident or is stationed in Michigan. Additionally, once the student qualifies for in-state tuition, that status will continue to be recognized as long as the student stays continually enrolled in the current degree program at the university.

Members of the Michigan House and Senate were joined by James Rickel of the U.S. Department of Defense, Mike Boulus of the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan and representatives from Michigan universities for a ceremonial signing.

“I applaud our universities for helping to make college more affordable for our military families,” said State Senator Valde Garcia (R-Howell). “This is one small way that we can show our gratitude to the men and women who sacrifice so much to protect our freedom.”