Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia) is encouraging constituents to sign a petition to allow Gold Star families access to SUNY tuition assistance. Last week, the Assembly Majority denied a bill that would give free SUNY tuition, room and board to family members whose parents have passed in the line of duty. Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, chairwoman of the Higher Education Committee, called the proposal “an entitlement.”

“I am proud to see so much support on the state level, and even the national level, behind this bill. Children of fallen soldiers have endured incredible loss. By providing them with the opportunity to obtain a college degree, we would be investing in their future and their success. I encourage everyone to sign this petition, and I urge my fellow colleagues to reconsider that this bill becomes law.”