Senator Tester praises University of Montana decision to provide year-round funding for out-of-state student veterans under the Yellow Ribbon program

Senator Jon Tester http://www.tester.senate.gov/ today released the following statement after the University of Montana announced that it will cover year-round attendance for out-of-state student veterans under the Yellow Ribbon Program http://www.umt.edu/veterans/yellowribbon.aspx :

"Student veterans come to Montana to get a first-class education and learn the skills they need to get jobs and strengthen our economy. I applaud the University of Montana for listening to my concerns and stepping forward to make sure that our veterans who sacrificed so much can continue their studies as part of the UM community."

Before yesterday’s announcement, 19 veterans enrolled in the university’s summer classes had been told that the Yellow Ribbon Program would not cover their summer tuition costs.

Tester heard the student veterans’ concerns and brought them to the attention of university officials who are responsible for managing the Yellow Ribbon program in Missoula.

The Yellow Ribbon Program helps out-of-state veterans pay for tuition costs that aren’t fully covered by the traditional G.I. Bill.