HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO.115
(By Delegates By Delegates M. Poling, Paxton, Beach, Crosier,
Ennis, Lawrence, Louisos, Moye, Pethtel, Perry, Rodighiero,
Shaver, Smith Stowers, Walker, Duke, Canterbury, Ireland, Rowan,
Shott and Sumner)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study
methods to remove the barriers to educational success that
veterans face in the higher education system and the
transition difficulties that the children of military
personnel face in the public education system.
Whereas, West Virginia has one of the highest numbers of active
duty and injured soldiers per capita in the nation; and
Whereas, It is important that veterans and military personnel
receive the honor, treatment and care they so richly deserve for
volunteering their lives to protect our country and our state; and
Whereas, The State of West Virginia has a compelling interest
in demonstrating its gratitude towards its veterans and military
personnel by enhancing services that broaden opportunities for them
and their families; and
Whereas, Many veterans are interested and motivated to seek
higher education, but face obstacles and limitations unique to
veterans in doing so, including unprecedented mental and physical health care issues that may be beyond the scope of care of current
student services; and
Whereas, By providing veterans with enhanced educational
assistance and counseling, higher education institutions in this
state can help satisfy the state's moral obligations to honor and
show gratitude for their service; and
Whereas, Veterans would benefit from the implementation of
methods to lower the bureaucratic barriers facing them in
enrollment, reenrollment, financial aid and transitioning into the
educational process;
Whereas, Veterans would benefit from the appointment of
veterans' advocates trained in as many institutional units as is
feasible, the development of programs to ease the transition from
military life into higher education, the designation of one or more
areas on campus for veterans to congregate and discuss shared
concerns, and the provision of information regarding all benefits
available to them;
Whereas, Numerous issues affect the integration of the children
of military personnel into the public school systems;
Whereas, There are barriers to educational success imposed on
children of military families because of frequent moves and
deployment of their parents;
Whereas, Barriers to educational success for children of
military personnel include variances among states regarding kindergarten and first grade entrance age, course placements,
educational program placements, records transfers, course
sequencing and graduation requirements, to name a few;
Whereas, It is in the best interest of the state to remove the
barriers to educational success for veterans and families of
military personnel; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study methods to remove the barriers to educational
success that veterans face in the higher education system and the
transition difficulties that the children of military personnel
face in the public education system; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2010, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.