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For Immediate Release:                                                                                  

August, 15 2007

Watson Expands Scholarship Program for Children of Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans

Jacksonville, IL – Legislation sponsored by State Representative Jim Watson that expands a scholarship program for children of veterans at the University of Illinois campuses has been signed into law.

House Bill 486 (Public Act 95-064) adds the children of veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom to the scholarship program.  The U. of I. annually grants each county in Illinois one scholarship per period of hostilities.

“The young men and women of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom have sacrificed greatly to serve our country,” said Watson.  “In some cases, these individuals paid the ultimate price.  HB 486 is just a small way we can say ‘thank you’ to our veterans who served so bravely in those campaigns.”

Scholarship recipients are chosen by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.  Preference will be given to children of veterans who are deceased or disabled.  Selected students are entitled to receive, without charge for tuition, instruction at the University for a term of at least four consecutive years.