Earlier this month, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a series of bills designed to help California’s troops and veterans. Two of the bills are aimed at helping current and former soldiers pursue or continue their education at a California State University or a California junior college.

“These bills demonstrate California’s commitment to those who currently serve, those who have served and the families who have sacrificed so much to support them,” Schwarzenegger said. “Our military community deserves continued educational opportunities and as much support as we can give their families.”

One of the bills signed by Schwarzenegger was Assembly Bill 272, which gives members of the armed services priority during registration in the CSU system and community colleges.

California Sen. George Runner (R-Lancaster) wrote the bill out of appreciation for the nation’s service members living in California.

“This is the least we can do for our (military personnel)and veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country,” Runner said.

Another bill, AB 950, which was proposed by Assemblywoman Mary Salas (D-Chula Vista), extends the period of state residency for service members on active duty, who are not California residents, to two years. This will allow soldiers to pay in-state tuition and fees, instead of out-of-state, thus enabling more to qualify.

“We found out that a lot of the young men and women on military bases did not realize they had access to in-state tuition when they were right here assigned to California,” said Thomas Johnson, secretary of the California Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, California is home to approximately 2.2 million veterans and 170,000 active-duty service members, the most of any state. California also has the largest contingent of Army National Guard and Air National Guard members.

In 2006, 90 percent of veterans ages 25 and older had at least a high school diploma,according to the bureau. Conversely, only 25 percent had at least a bachelor’s degree.

The offer of a college education does not only benefit the soldiers themselves, but also helps their families.

“These bills are designed not only to provide additional protections and coverage and opportunities for (the soldiers) but for their families as well,” Johnson said.

Dorrie Popp, a senior accounting major, comes from a military family and supports anything that helps the 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].