State officials are working to provide free tuition to children of military members killed or disabled while on duty despite legislation being voted down in the state Assembly’s Higher Education committee earlier this month.

On Wednesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced he will waive tuition and room and board to the families of New York military members who are killed or disabled while on duty.

Cuomo, a Democrat, announced the move Wednesday after the Democratic-led state Assembly voted 15 to 11 April 9 to hold the bipartisan bill in committee, effectively ending its chances of making it to a floor vote this session.

Cuomo said there’s no need to wait for lawmakers to act, so he has directed education officials to begin covering tuition costs for dependents of fallen or permanently disabled service members.

The state already covered tuition for dependents of service members killed or disabled in combat or in training, but that didn’t cover all military deaths or injuries.

State Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, R-Jamestown, said he applauds the governor’s efforts to make tuition and room and board free for gold star children. He didn’t know exactly how Cuomo has the right to make it law without approval first from the state Legislature, but supports the governor’s efforts.

Republican Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello, who is running for the open 57th District state Senate seat, also agrees with both Cuomo and Goodell.

“(Cuomo) was looking for ways to make this work (following the Assembly vote). I applaud the governor because this is an important priority,” Borrello said. “I think it’s outrageous (that the Assembly voted it down). My understanding is that it’s a few hundred of thousands in the budget compared to the ($27 million to provide college tuition aid for) illegal immigrants. I am shocked the Legislature in Albany doesn’t understand the average New Yorker and Armenian knows this is the right thing to do for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The Democratic candidate for the 57th District also believes in providing free tuition and room and board to children whose parents were military personnel from the state who were killed in the line of duty. Austin Morgan, D-Freedom, stressed the importance of supporting New York veterans and affirmed his commitment to fighting for their rights and due benefits.

“We have a moral duty to care for the families of those who gave their lives for our country. I would proudly vote yes on Sen. (John) Brooks’ (D-Massapequa) newly introduced bill which would expand the Merit program to Gold Star families after a service member dies in the line of duty (including non-combat), is permanently disabled or is classified as MIA,” Morgan stated in a news release. “New Yorkers who have bravely risked their lives to fight for our country should return to a state emphatic about helping and celebrating its veterans, and the families of those who give their lives should be treated with just as much respect and care. They should not have to return to a system of red tape where they need to jump through hoops simply to be able to obtain housing, employment, or education.”

State Assemblyman Joseph Giglio, R-Gowanda, said Cuomo calling to enact this proposal is a breath of fresh air.

“I thank everyone who joined their voices with mine, from my peers in the legislature all the way up to President (Donald) Trump,” he said.

“I am proud of my colleagues in the Republican conference of the assembly who brought this legislation forward to assist our service men and women. I also applaud Gov. Cuomo for his swift action to ensure our Gold Star Families get the best opportunity and future possible.”