Another Blog about the impending reduction of State Tuition Reimbursement (STR) program in Minnesota. It is important for members of the Minnesota National Guard Enlisted Association (MNGEA) contact your State Senators and House Representatives on this and ask them not to support the decrease the STR program to previous levels. Potential reductions bantered about are going from 100% reimbursement back down to 75%, which MNGEA fought hard to help increase less than a decade ago.
Below is more information from previous Blog to help educate you on this proposal. We have also worked with EANGUS (Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States) to create a state Call To Action Alert. Click on the button below, enter your Email & Zip Code and select “Continue”. The VoterVoice App will create a template letter which you can modify (if you so choose to) and send to your State Senators and State Representatives (based on your Zip Code). It’s very easy to use!
Proposed cuts to the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) budget will adversely impact Minnesota National Guard enlistment incentives and state tuition reimbursement (STR) benefits.
SF605 (Senate version) is proposed at $11.714M less than the Governor’s recommendation, returning the DMA budget to its 2014-2015 levels, and balances agency forecasted increases in enlistment incentives by reducing the funds available for maintenance and sustainment of MNNG facilities despite a documented $140M maintenance backlog.
The House version of the omnibus bill maintains DMA funding at its current level, however, does not address the forecasted shortfall in the Enlistment Incentives Appropriation which will result in elimination of MNNG enlistment and re-enlistment bonuses and a reduction in state tuition reimbursement levels for members of the MNNG.
IMPACT:
- Reduces STR funding for 848 newly enlisted members over last 2 years
- Significant reduction in MNNG incentive programs affecting:
- Approx. 1900 MNNG members currently utilizing STR
- Over 1,500 MNNG members’ enlistment/reenlistment bonuses
- Increase in MNNG facilities with a “Poor” rating due to decreased maintenance appropriation
- Adverse soldier and airman morale and declines in unit readiness
ACTION: Contact your state Senators and Representatives via email, phone, or letter and ask them not to support SF605 and the current house version of omnibus budget bill. You can also click on the Minnesota State Legislature to find contact info for other State Leaders within the House and Senate.