Introduction of Legislation Increasing Education Benefits to Veterans

Press Release

Today, Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) introduced a new bill increasing education benefits for U.S. military veterans. The Veterans Education Equity Act (H.R. 3483) equalizes the education benefit for veterans who choose to attend public or private institutions of higher learning and reduces or eliminates the financial burden veterans must pay out-of-pocket for their education.

"This important bill will help veterans return to civilian life by offering them greater educational opportunities," said Congressman Cardoza. "Our veterans' sacrifices compel us to make sure they have every advantage available when their military careers come to an end. This bill is another step in fulfilling our commitment to the men and women who have given so much for our country."

Currently, veterans who enroll in private institutions are eligible for larger education benefits than veterans who enroll at public institutions. This bill, introduced by Congressman Cardoza, Congressman G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) and Congressman Mike McIntyre (D-NC), fixes this inequity by enabling all veterans, regardless of whether they choose to attend a public or private institution, to be eligible to receive up to $17,500 in education benefits per academic year. Though this benefit is already available for many California veterans through a state program, this bill will expand the tuition benefit to veterans nationwide, including those from other states who wish to attend California colleges and universities.

The Veterans Education Equity Act would make veterans eligible to receive an equal education benefit at the school of their choice.

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