OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Congressman Rothman Hails Start Of New GI Bill College Benefits

Press Release

Date: July 31, 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Veterans Education


Congressman Rothman Hails Start Of New GI Bill College Benefits

Tomorrow, veterans will start receiving college education benefits under the new GI Bill for the 21st Century (the "Post-9/11 GI Bill"). Last year, Congressman Steve Rothman (D-NJ) voted for the passage of the new GI Bill for the 21st Century to give a full, four-year college education to eligible Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. These veterans are still able to apply for certificate of eligibility for the new college benefits at the Veterans Administration website: www.gibill.va.gov/.

"I encourage all the eligible Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in my District to take advantage of this educational opportunity." said Rothman. "We have a responsibility to help those who have bravely served us. This full college education benefit for recent veterans will help expand job opportunities for them, and strengthen our economy."

Last year, Congress enacted the new GI Bill for the 21st Century (The "Post-9/11 GI Bill") to restore the promise of a full four-year college education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, making them part of the economic recovery. An estimated 2.1 million members of the military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, including activated reservists and members of the National Guard, will be eligible for up to four years of education benefits, including stipends for housing and books.

The measure provides up to four years of education benefits at a college or university for individuals with at least 90 days of active duty service on or after September 11, 2001 who have been honorably discharged from service. The benefits are correlated on a sliding scale to the total months served. To receive full benefits, one must have served on active duty for three years. This program will pay for:
• tuition and fees of up to the maximum in-state tuition and fees at a public institution in your state;
• a monthly housing allowance at the location of the school, based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents; and
• an annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000.


Source
arrow_upward