Veterans education proposal advances as lawmakers weigh cost-vs-capacity

A bill aimed at expanding higher education access for Guam’s veterans sparked two days of intense debate on legislative floor, with sharp disagreements over cost, fairness, and what the island owes those who served. To continue serving those who served, US Army veteran and senator Vince Borja’s Bill 202 was widely debated over two days. 

The measure would establish the “Guam Veterans Higher Education Benefits Act”, creating a tuition assistance program for qualifying veterans. However, the program would activate only after their federal benefits are exhausted.

Borja framed the bill as closing a long-standing gap in local support that many states already offer, saying, “Bill 202 isn’t a giveaway. It’s a promise kept. It’s Guam saying, ‘We do more than say thank you for your service. We back it up with action.’”

Veterans could receive up to 90 lifetime undergraduate credits and 30 graduate credits. Certain professional doctoral programs could also qualify if designated as critical workforce shortage areas.

Senator Sabina Perez offered multiple amendments, supporting expansion of access to education, but cautioning against placing an unsustainable burden on local institutions. Her first amendment narrowed eligibility to veterans who were Guam residents and declared Guam as their home of record upon entering the service, citing concerns over more than 10,000 incoming service members potentially qualifying.

“I think with this amendment, it’s reinforcing the fact that we are looking to support people that are from Guam," Perez shared.

the amendment passed, but tension rose over Perez's proposal requiring beneficiaries to work in Guam after completing their degree – or repay the tuition – to retain talent that can uplift the island's economy. Borja objected, noting, “Having them repay something that we’re trying to pay them back for defeats the whole purpose and the intent of this bill.”

And the amendment failed. 

Perez also proposed prohibiting funding for repeated courses, citing academic accountability. Again, Borja objected, pointing the G.I. Bill’s allowance to retake a failed course at least once if it is required to complete their degree.

Fiscal concerns resurfaced later in the session. University of Guam representatives previously testified tuition waivers could cost up to $1.2 million if fully absorbed.  Senator Telo Taitague successfully amended the bill to include dependents only if significant institutional capacity exists.

Still, questions remained about potential tuition increases at UOG due to the program. Senator Chris Barnett said, “There are over 80 different benefits that are available to the veterans. So, while we consider adding this benefit of free college to that list, I think we should be prudent about it and understand that while we’re supporting the veterans, it’s going to come at a cost to every other student who walks through those doors at the University of Guam.”

In closing, Borja rejected claims of personal interest as a veteran and lowering of standards. “I use my G.I. Bill," he said. "I paid for my master’s degree.”

“If we want to talk about conflict of interest, how many people in this hall have family members that are veterans? We’re not trying to lower the standards so veterans to get a handout and go to UOG. That’s not what we’re trying to do, but to say that is disgusting and disingenuous for some of these senators here that talk about veterans. You know, a couple months ago it was biba betterano, but today I don’t know what it is.”

Bill 202 ultimately advanced to the voting file – leaving senators to decide whether the measure strikes the right balance between honoring service and managing limited public resources.