Udall-Backed 21st Century GI Bill Signed into Law
Press Release
UDALL-BACKED 21ST CENTURY GI BILL SIGNED INTO LAW
Bill Also Protects Medicaid, Extends Unemployment Benefits, and Helps Cannon
President Bush today signed legislationidentical to a bill cosponsored by Representative Tom Udall, D-N.M.to provide a full four-year college education for members of the armed forces who have served at least three years since September 11, 2001. Under the bill, any servicemember who has served at least three months is eligible for some benefits. The bill also included Medicaid legislation that will save New Mexico $1.5 billion over the next five years, an extension of unemployment benefits, and $8 million for childcare at Cannon Air Force Base in eastern New Mexico.
"This New GI Bill is our way of saying 'thank you' to our troops," said Udall. "Today's heroes deserve the same benefits my father received when he came home from World War II. I was proud to cosponsor this legislation, and I was proud to support it every time it came before the House. I am glad the president has stopped fighting this bill and signed it into law."
More than 11,000 New Mexico troops have been deployed since September 11, 2001. Under current law, they would receive only about 70 percent of the cost of a public college education and 30 percent of a private education.
Every dollar spent on the post-World War II GI Bill yielded seven dollars for the U.S. economy. The legislation helped produce one of the longest periods of prosperity in American history.
"By helping our veterans," said Udall, "we will be helping our economy. This legislation will boost our economy today and help build a trained workforce for lasting prosperity."
The legislation signed today also will save New Mexico $1.5 billion over the next five years in Medicaid costs by stopping rule changes proposed by the Bush Administration. New Mexico will save more per capita than any other state from this provision, and Udall has cosponsored legislation identical to the language signed into law today.
"Throwing children off healthcare is inconsistent with New Mexico values," said Udall, "yet that is exactly what the Bush Administration is trying to do. This legislation reflects New Mexico values and protects New Mexico children by saying no to cold-hearted and short-sighted Medicaid cuts."
The legislation also will provide a 13 week extension of unemployment benefits for the 19,306 New Mexicans who are unable to find a job in today's struggling economy. Recent studies have shown that extending unemployment benefits is among the most effective and efficient methods for restoring the economy.
Said Udall, "The Bush economy has left more than 19,000 New Mexico workers struggling to find jobs. With this legislation, those families will be able to make ends meet. And by putting money into the hands of those who need it and will spend it, this bill provides the best strategy for getting our economy back on track now."
Finally, Cannon Air Force Base will receive $8 million through this legislation to provide childcare for servicemembers.
"I am particularly pleased that today's legislation provides needed funding for Cannon Air Force Base," said Udall. "As Cannon begins its new mission, this funding will help ensure that no servicemember is forced to choose between being a good parent and being a good soldier."
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