Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday presented her Fiscal Year 2023 budget proposal for the state, which includes funding that would allow Michigan National Guard service members to transfer current available tuition benefits to their spouses and children.

The Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program was established in 2014 to provide tuition assistance to members of the Michigan National Guard who are attending any public or private college, university, vocational school, technical school or trade school located in Michigan.

The current benefit covers the costs of obtaining an associate or baccalaureate degree and a stipend for master’s degrees and certificate programs. The new proposal will enable this benefit to be transferred to family members.

“Michiganders who serve our nation in uniform and put their lives on the line are backed by their families and support systems at home who all make difficult sacrifices of their own,” Whitmer said. “We can do more to help Guard families thrive, and that starts with ensuring they have opportunities to pursue their potential.”

Greater financial support for soldiers, airmen and their families enhances the readiness of the National Guard. The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs estimates more than 725 children of Guard members are in the age group — up to age 26 — for which transferability would be available, and although not everyone may take advantage of the benefit, it is anticipated that more than 400 children would.

“We know that supporting military spouses and families helps the morale and combat readiness of our service members,” said Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “By allowing for the transfer of tuition benefits to dependents we are showing the value of education extends not only to the service member, but to all family members, providing opportunity for increased wages, career development and high-skill employment.”

Legislation is necessary to allow for this expanded benefit to be implemented and has been introduced in both the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate. If passed and presented to the governor before April 1, 2022, this benefit will be available for families in the fall 2022 school semester, according to Whitmer’s office.

Lawmakers still need to weigh in, but the proposal merits their full attention.