A new bipartisan bill from Senator Ossoff, joined by Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), called the Gold Star Children Education Act aims to support the education of the children of fallen veterans. The bill would allow for Gold Star Families to enroll children in Department of Defense (DoD0 schools, offering more choices to education and offering a familiar military environment during a time of mourning.
“We can never do enough to support the families of fallen U.S. servicemembers. That’s why I’m introducing this new bipartisan legislation to give more support to gold star families and ensure our children get the best education and support possible,” Ossoff said.
As the rules stand now, if a child was not already enrolled in a DoD school, they are not eligible for enrollment after the death of their veteran parent. A recent study concluded that military families view eligibility for base-based schools to improve their quality of life.
“We should all strive to thank our men and women in uniform as often as possible, but we have a special obligation to never forget the sacrifices made by their families as well,” said Rounds. “Military children in particular often grow up with a parent away from home for months at a time—even years over the course of a career in the service. If, God forbid, their mom or dad makes the ultimate sacrifice, these Gold Star children should still be able to enroll in Department of Defense schools. I am pleased to co-lead the bipartisan Gold Star Children Education Act and honor this sacred trust.”
Endorsed by Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Blue Star Families, Hire Heroes USA, and the Department of Georgia American Gold Star Mothers, the bill aims to give more options during the most difficult period for these students’ lives.
“This legislation honors the sacrifice of our nation’s heroes by ensuring their surviving children have the educational opportunities they deserve,” said Ross Dickman, CEO, Hire Heroes USA. “By granting access to DoDEA schooling, this bill would provide much-needed support and stability to Gold Star families during difficult times. Hire Heroes USA is proud to support the Gold Star Children Education Act of 2024, and we thank Senator Ossoff for his leadership on this important issue.”
The act would apply to children between the ages of 5-18, or K-12
“America is the land of the free because of the brave servicemembers who sacrificed their lives in defense of our freedoms,” said Sen. Cramer. “After losing a parent who served, Gold Star children should not be further disrupted by losing their access to DOD schools. I joined Senators Ossoff and Rounds in introducing the Gold Star Children Education Act to preserve the educational options for families of fallen servicemembers.”
To see the full text of the bill:
https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ROS24C57.pdf
