ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
Background
Arizona law currently authorizes tuition reimbursement for subprograms of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard. Applicants for reimbursement must meet the following specified requirements: (1) be a member of the Arizona Army National Guard or Air National Guard during the semester for which reimbursement is requested, (2) complete initial active duty service and (3) maintain a "C" average academically.
For FY 2000-2001, the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) was appropriated $443,000 from the state general fund for the National Guard tuition reimbursement program. Due to higher than anticipated claims during the last biennium, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) staff has recommended a FY 2001-2002 increase of $283,800 and FY 2002-2003 increase of $317,000. These amounts are based upon recent trend data and assume an application growth rate of 40 percent, offset by an approximate 20 percent disqualification rate. (Disqualifications are generally due to applicants not meeting eligibility criteria or filing claims improperly.) In total, the JLBC staff recommends appropriating $726,800 in FY 2001-2002 and $760,000 in FY 2002-2003 from the state general fund to DEMA for the tuition reimbursement program.
In addition to any appropriations contained in the general appropriations act, H.B. 2445 appropriates $100,000 in FY 2001-2002 to the Office of the Adjutant General for the National Guard tuition reimbursement program.
1. Appropriates $100,000 in FY 2001-2002 from the state general fund to the Adjutant General for National Guard tuition reimbursement. Exempts the appropriation from lapsing.
2. Provides for a general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Staff
March 19, 2001