A new proposal aims to bridge what many say is one of Guam’s most significant gaps in veteran support: higher education.  Bill 202 would create a local tuition waiver for veterans and their families once federal benefits run out.  Supporters call it overdue. Others warn it could become an unfunded mandate.

Modeled after Texas’ Hazlewood Act, Bill 202 would establish the Guam Veterans Higher Education Benefits Act – offering qualified veterans and their dependents a tuition waiver at the University of Guam and the Guam Community College, but only after their federal benefits are fully exhausted. Senator Vince Borja says Guam’s current benefits barely scratch the surface, saying, “They are helpful, yes, but they are surface level. They don’t change a family’s trajectory, they don’t open doors to opportunity, and they don’t help someone build a career, start a business, or finish a degree.”

Borja points to Guam’s consistently high enlistment rates — and the absence of any local higher-education support when federal benefits expire. He offers the bill as a targeted and fiscally responsible solution to fill the gaps without duplicating federal aid.

Guam Office of Veterans Affairs director Joe San Agustin supports the intent, but raised funding concerns as the bill states UOG and GCC will absorb the cost of tuition exemptions as a civic duty with no additional appropriation from the General Fund.

UOG senior vice president and provost Dr. Sharleen Santos-Bamba says they support the measure as well, but warn the financial impact could exceed $1.2 million per year if dependents are included.

“Because of the potential amounts, we ask that only qualifying veterans be considered for the tuition exemptions," she said. She also recommended delaying implementation until April 2026, also urging lawmakers to avoid creating an unfunded mandate.

And for combat veteran Johnathan Savarez, the bill hits close to home. “I am one of those students who had to walk away from the University of Guam because my tuition assistance was done," he stated.

He adds that supporting veteran families’ education and retaining local talent, rather than our children leaving for military service, is a critical issue, as well. “This helps close that budgetary gap in homes to get these kids educated so they don’t have to go raise their right hand and leave Guam," Savarez said.

Retired colonel Tim Puzan backed the measure, recommending expansion to include the Guam Trades Academy and Guam National Guard members and reservists.

Committee discussions continue as lawmakers weigh both the promise and the price of creating Guam’s first locally funded higher-education benefit for those who served.