CEDAR RAPIDS, IA. -- The Iowa National Guard will reduce by nearly half its tuition reimbursement for soldiers and airmen in the upcoming spring semester.

The Gazette in Cedar Rapids reports the move was announced in a memo this week from Major General Timothy Orr, the adjutant general for Iowa.

The Gazette also reports that Dennis Arps, who coordinates GI Bill service for the University of Iowa, is advising veterans attending the UI to tap into existing federal programs to supplement the loss at the state level.

UI Veterans Affairs also plans to lobby the Iowa Legislature to increase funding for the state program.