Jindal seeking to adjust TOPS for veterans

Gov. Bobby Jindal announced today he wants to tweak the standards for the state’s TOPS program to allow soldiers who re-enlist to be eligible for the free college tuition aid when they leave the military. Under current law, students have one year from the time they graduate high school to be able to receive TOPS awards. Those who enter a branch of military service immediately after high school are given five years to continue TOPS eligibility. But the law doesn’t allow a veteran to re-enlist and receive a TOPS award after the completion of that second round of service. Jindal unveiled the proposal at a press conference in Leesville today, saying veterans should get TOPS aid if they re-enlist, as long as they enroll in college within one year of completing their active service. The governor also is proposing legislation for a “veteran” designation on Louisiana drivers’ licenses. He says it will make it easier for veterans to prove their military service and for the state to track them to notify them about services and benefits. Republican state Sen. Robert Adley of Benton will sponsor both bills in the legislative session that begins March 12.