Klein Testifies On GI Bill In South Florida

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Klein Testifies On GI Bill in South FloridaYesterday, Congressman Ron Klein (FL-22) submitted testimony to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs describing the state of the new GI Bill in South Florida in order to bring attention to the experiences of local veterans.

Klein's testimony, submitted for a hearing of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee titled, "VA Status Report on Post-9/11 G.I. Bill," expresses strong support for the 21st Century GI Bill, but also relays the stories of veterans in Coconut Creek and Boca Raton who have not received the benefits they deserve in a timely and efficient manner. Klein called for veterans eligible for education benefits under the new GI Bill to be paid in a timely manner, in order to "fulfill the promise that we made to our nation's heroes."

Klein's testimony follows.

21st Century GI Bill: An Update from South Florida

Testimony submitted by Congressman Ron Klein

October 15, 2009

Mr. Chairman, thank you for calling this important hearing. I am here today to bring attention to the experiences that the veterans of South Florida have had in the recent implementation of the 21st Century GI Bill.

Let me say at the outset that I am grateful that Congress passed this legislation, and I was proud to be a sponsor and a strong supporter. I deeply believe that those who put on the uniform deserve the best benefits when they return--and that includes a quality education. The GI Bill for the 21st Century will make our veterans an integral part of our economic recovery by providing a new generation with the education they need to succeed.

In July, I sponsored a college fair at Broward College in my district for veterans who had recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. I wanted to ensure that they knew about the benefits that they would receive and make sure that they were prepared to take advantage of them.

However, some constituents found that benefits were not easily processed. One constituent from Boca Raton, Florida has already paid for his books out of pocket. The college of his choice gave him an extension for tuition payments until November, but cannot register for next semester's classes, making it more difficult for him to get the required credits for graduation.

Another constituent from Coconut Creek Florida filed his tuition benefits paperwork in July and was told that processing could take eight weeks. He began attending classes in August, but unable to pay for his tuition, he worries when his check will come.

I am grateful that Secretary Shinseki and the staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs moved quickly to address these issues once it the problem became apparent. Their swift action was certainly an important message to send to our veterans. But, this process should not require the intervention of a member of Congress.

Mr. Chairman, it was not easy for these veterans to earn these benefits; they endured the horrible scars of war. But, it should be easy to access these benefits. The 21st Century GI Bill is an extraordinary opportunity for veterans to return to civilian life and follow their dreams. I look forward to working with you Mr. Chairman, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that veterans are paid in a timely manner and that we fulfill the promise that we made to our nation's heroes.

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