Scroll Top

Mazzeo: Aiding families of N.J.’s fallen soldiers through college scholarships

(TRENTON) — Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo (D-Atlantic) had the following published recently in the Newark Star-Ledger:

“For many, Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of summer. For the families of those dedicated men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to uphold the freedom of this great nation, however, the last Monday in May is a time to mourn.

“Before the barbecues and trips to the beach, let us all consider how we can fulfill our collective duty to honor not only America’s fallen heroes, but the family members who carry on in their absence.

“Since the ‘Military Dependents Scholarship Fund Act’ was introduced last year, the New Jersey Legislature has been working toward one very important means of fulfilling this duty.

“With the cost of a college degree rising and middle-class household incomes remaining stagnant in New Jersey, students have a much harder time unlocking the door to good jobs in our state than their counterparts from a generation ago. As a father of two college-age children, I understand that navigating the complex system of loans and grants often required to finance an education can be frustrating for everyone involved. As a legislator, I believe wholeheartedly that — after all they have been through — the families of those New Jerseyans who perished for our nation’s sake deserve a reprieve from this process as a small token of our gratitude…”

To read the rest of Assemblyman Mazzeo’s op-ed, please click here.