How the Revised GI Bill Benefits Veterans
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Four Senators have drafted a revised GI Bill that could make school after the military more affordable. The proposal, referred to as the "Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act," is sponsored by Senators Jim Webb (D- Va.), John Warner (R-Va.), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) and Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.).
Revisions To The Current Montgomery GI BillThis modification to the old bill gives veterans who have served a minimum of three months active duty since September 11, 2001 benefits for 36 months, a monthly stipend for housing expenses and covers the cost for the most expensive public university in the state. Tuition could be covered for up to four years.
The idea is to adjust the bill to the same standards given to veterans in 1944, when the GI Bill was first introduced. Currently, the GI Bill is good for 36 months of school. Veterans can use it within 10 years of leaving the service. The new bill would encourage private colleges to increase affordability for veterans, since the government would pay half of the cost if the schools agree to the other half.
Benefits Of the New GI Bill For VeteransOf course, extra money would assist ex-GIs that want an education, since the cost of tuition continues to rise, even at community colleges. Many veterans who are presently using their educational benefits still have to take out student loans, get a job or both in order to cover the total price. If the GI Bill covers costlier universities, veterans are more likely to take advantage.
Pros And Cons Of The Revised GI BillThe Bush administration has not supported the revision because they worry that military personnel will leave to use their educational benefits. With a military shortage, the fear is understandable, albeit bad news for soldiers with several deployments under their belt who want to move onto a civilian career.
One Department of Defense referred to the bill as a “retention killer,” implying that without the draft, the GI Bill will entice soldiers away from active duty into the classroom. In response, U.S. Senator Webb said, “[The Department of Defense] is doing a very good job managing its career force…but it’s doing a very poor job of taking care of the people who don’t come in for a career.”
It has yet to be determined when the Senate will vote on the bill, but if it passes, the benefits it will offer veterans are greatly improved.
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