Boozman Introduces Veterans' Education Bill

Press Release

Boozman Introduces Veterans' Education Bill

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) reaffirmed his commitment to the education and job-related needs of America's veterans by introducing legislation to strengthen outreach and the quality of veterans' education and job training benefits for FY 2008.

H.R. 2579, grants authority to the Department of Veterans' Affairs to increase funding provided to State Approving Agencies (SAA) using already-budgeted discretionary funding.

In 1947, Congress granted State Approving Agencies the authority to oversee the institutions and programs that provide education and training to veterans and eligible dependents under the G.I. Bill.

"SAAs are a vital part of our nation's efforts to do right by our veterans by ensuring they receive the proper education and training benefits, as well as high-quality instruction," Boozman said. "It is important we give the VA the flexibility to provide SAA funding to ensure our veterans have every opportunity to obtain quality education and training."

SAAs enter into contracts with the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) to evaluate the standards of education and training programs through various activities, including (1) conducting on-site visits, (2) evaluating course quality, (3) assessing school financial stability, and (4) monitoring student progress.

Each state is allowed to supplement VA rules and regulations with additional standards and laws to ensure a quality education. The programs that can be approved include colleges, universities, vocational and technical schools, flight schools, apprenticeship programs, and other on-the-job training programs. SAAs are also tasked with the responsibility of engaging in outreach activities to encourage veterans to use their G.I. Bill benefits.

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