Governor Signs Legislation Creating Troops to College Program

Signs bills renaming two bridges for state’s veterans

EDISON - Just days after the 8^th anniversary of 9/11, Governor Jon S. Corzine today signed legislation to help New Jersey's military veterans, including those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, by establishing the "Troops to College" program. The bill, A-3360/S-2171, is designed to assist veterans transition from the military into the college classroom. 

"New Jersey's veterans carry on a long tradition of those who have answered their nation's call to action," Governor Corzine said. "The bills I am signing today represent a small down payment on the tremendous debt we owe to our military members - past and present- for defending our nation and our way of life. I believe that the service we provide to our veterans and our soldiers is a duty we cannot ignore and I remain committed to providing all the support we can to our military personnel." 

The "Troops to College" program will provide a comprehensive array of services to veterans seeking to enhance their educational opportunities.  The initiative includes assistance in applying for State and federal student financial aid, counseling resources, a single point of contact for information on an institution's benefits and programs for veterans as well as an online resource to consolidate pertinent information for veterans. The program will be created within the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education. 

"The goal of the Troops to College program is to provide resources and information to veterans looking to further their education.  We want our men and women in uniform to know that we support them one hundred percent," said Senator Fred Madden, (D-Camden, Gloucester).  "For many New Jerseyans in the military, it has been quite a few years since they graduated from high school, and through this program we can educate them about available financial aid, campus veterans' assistance and other resources designed to help them earn their degrees." 

"Our veterans deserve the best, and that includes access to higher education," said Assemblyman Patrick J. Diegnan Jr., (D-Middlesex). "This plan would make that transition easier and is the right thing to do for those who have sacrificed their time and energy to defend our nation."

"The help we're proposing here includes assistance in applying for tuition aid, counseling resources and a campus veterans' assistance officer to provide a single point of contact for information on the institution's benefits and programs for veterans," said Assemblyman Peter J. Barnes III (D-Middlesex). "This is all basic information that we can offer to our veterans and make their transition easier."

"Veterans are owed our best, and this is one way to help make that reality," said Assemblyman Jack Conners, (D-Burlington/Camden), chairman of the Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. "We all know a higher education is key to so much in our world, and our veterans should not be left behind."

"This is simply an effort to help veterans make that vital transition from the battlefield to the classroom," said Assemblyman Ruben J. Ramos Jr. (D-Hudson). "A college education is crucial these days, and we owe it to our veterans to ensure they can more easily obtain one." 

Governor Corzine signed two additional pieces of legislation that that honor the memory of brave military members, renaming two local bridge spans in the State. A-3788/ S-2691 designates the bridge carrying State Highway Route No. 109 over Cape May Canal as "Cape May County Veterans Memorial Bridge" to honor past and present residents of Cape May County who have bravely served their country. 

"New Jersey's citizens are indebted to the sacrifice and heroism of the brave men and women who have served their country in the armed forces, many of whom call Cape May County home," said Assemblyman Matthew W. Milam (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland). "Dedicating this bridge in memory and honor of the men and women of Cape May County who have served will be a constant reminder for all of the sacrifices made by veterans on behalf of their country and state."

"Veterans from Cape May County have served in many different capacities and are represented by local chapters and posts of every major veteran's organization," said Assemblymen Nelson T. Albano (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland). "It's only proper that we memorialize and honor the thousands of county residents who have served in the United States Armed Forces by renaming this bridge." 

Another bill, A-2484/S-1019, designates the bridge carrying State Highway Route No. 9 over Throckmorton Street in Freehold Township as "Corporal Philip A. Reynolds Memorial Bridge," to honor the native Freehold Borough resident who was killed in action and posthumously awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. 

  "Marine Corporal Philip A. Reynolds was a true American hero who gave his life for his country," said Senator Jeff Van Drew, (D-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic).  "He showed true selflessness and bravery while being outnumbered and out gunned.  We must honor the memory of those what have lost their lives for our freedom and protection, and this dedication is the least we can do."    

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