Gov. Kristi Noem signs tuition reimbursement bill for National Guard members

Gov. Kristi Noem signed a bill Thursday that provides 100% tuition reimbursement for members of the South Dakota National Guard at the state's six public colleges and four technical colleges.

She's signed House Bill 1039 in Rapid City, and then was expected to participate in a deployment ceremony for the 216th Fire Fighting Detachment at the Range Road Armory in Rapid City afterward.

"This legislation will help South Dakota's bravest men and women to stay in our state to get an education, participate in our booming economy, and raise a family," according to a press release from Noem's office earlier this week. "The members of the South Dakota National Guard have gone above and beyond the call of duty time and time again. This legislation will give back to them and ensure that they can receive the kind of education they deserve."

More:Noem's proposed budget includes free college for National Guard, but no tuition freeze

The 100% tuition coverage for National Guard members comes at a cost of $1.9 million, according to earlier reports. The Board of Regents waived an estimated total of $2.4 million in tuition for National Guard members combined over the summer and fall of 2021, and the spring of 2022, according to a board report.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota Gov Kristi Noem signs National Guard tuition bill