Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed two bills earlier this month that are aimed at helping current and former troops and veterans with pursuing their education.

One bill – proposed by State Sen. George Runner, R-Antelope Valley – will give them priority when applying at state universities and community colleges throughout the state. The other bill – proposed by Assemblywoman Mary Salas D-Chula Vista – will allow soldiers to pay in-state, instead out-of-state tuition and fees.

“Our military community deserves continued educational opportunities and as much support as we can give their families,” Schwarzenegger said in a written statement. Runner said he wanted to show his appreciation for the nation’s service members. “This is the least we can do for our (military personnel) and veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country,” Runner said.

Thomas Johnson, secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs, said a lot of the young men and women on military bases did not realize they had access to in-state tuition when they were assigned to California. California is home to 2.2 million veterans and 170,000 active-duty service members – the most of any state – according to the United States Census Bureau.

California also has the largest contingent of Army National Guard and Air National guard members. In 2006, 90 percent of veterans 25 and older had at least a high school diploma. Conversely, only 25 percent had at least a bachelor’s degree, according to the United States Census Bureau. Dorrie Popp, senior accounting major, said she supports anything that helps troops. “I think that these bills are something small that we can give the soldiers for their sacrifice to our country,” Popp said. “It might seem insignificant, but it can definitely go a long way.”

Michael Calvillo can be reached at [email protected].