Alaska State Legislature
News From The House Majority

Jerry Ritter, Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
ph: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

Caring for the Families of Slain Peace Officers

Rep. Pete Kelly Sponsors Amendment to Provide UA Tuition

For Immediate Release: January 16, 1998 Contact: Rep. Pete Kelly at (907) 465-2327

JUNEAU -- Representative Pete Kelly (R-Fairbanks) has introduced legislation to waive University of Alaska tuition for the spouses, sons, and daughters of Alaska police officers slain in the line of duty. Currently, Alaska law provides tuition at UA for the dependents of members of the armed services who are killed in the line of duty.

"We’re adding to a fairly short list of those who deserve this privilege, the families of those who give their lives protecting ours," Kelly said. "The University of Alaska plays an important role in the lives of all Alaskans. It is fitting that the families of Alaska’s Finest get the chance at the finest education Alaska can provide."

Kelly’s bill would amend the statute waiving tuition for spouses and dependents of slain members of the armed forces to include the spouses and dependents of slain state troopers and municipal police officers. The measure also includes officers killed while on duty in municipal service. Current law provides the benefit to those killed while on state or federal government duty or who are officially listed as prisoners of war or missing in action.

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