Jindal backs easing TOPS rules for veterans
Gov. Bobby Jindal announced Wednesday that he is embracing legislation that would give veterans a longer window of time to attend college through the TOPS program.
At issue are veterans who lose their Taylor Opportunity Program for Students’ eligibility because they voluntarily re-enlist for military service.
They are barred from the college scholarship program once they reach the fifth anniversary of their high school graduation.
State Sen. Robert Adley, R-Benton, plans to file legislation that would ease those restrictions. The proposal described by the Jindal administration would give veterans a year to enroll in college through TOPS after finishing their active military service.
The legislation will be considered in the session that starts March 12.
“We’re just trying to fix a problem,” Adley said Wednesday.
The governor also wants to create a “Veteran” designation on Louisiana driver’s licenses.
He said in a prepared statement that the designation would make it easier for veterans to apply for jobs or to receive discounts.