Emanuel Receives Durbin Endorsement of Welcome Home GI Bill

Press Release

Emanuel Receives Durbin Endorsement of Welcome Home GI Bill

American Legion Joins VFW in Offering Support for Bill

During a press conference today at Soldier Field, U.S. Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) endorsed U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel's (D-IL) Welcome Home GI Bill and announced that he will introduce a companion bill in the U.S. Senate. This legislation provides any active duty, reservist, or National Guard who served for at least six consecutive months in Iraq or Afghanistan since September 11, 2001 with enhanced health care, education and job training and housing benefits.

"These soldiers and their families have sacrificed so much for our country," Durbin said. "They stood in defense of America, now we need to stand by them. This legislation allows us to help our new veterans as they build their lives after serving our country."

Emanuel announced the Welcome Home GI Bill in a ceremony last month in Chicago and has received praise from generations of American heroes. Last week, Emanuel received praise from John W. Davin, SFC (retired), the Illinois State Community Activities Director for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Similar to the GI Bill for troops returning from World War II, Emanuel's legislation provides any veteran who served in Iraq or Afghanistan since September 11th with health care, education and job training and housing.

"In the wake of September 11th, our men and women have fought bravely and have made this country and generations of GIs proud. Americans are forever in their debt for their service to our country and it is our duty to ensure that when they come home they will have opportunities to enjoy the freedom they fought for," said Emanuel. "This bill will provide heath care, education, and housing for any active duty, reservist or National Guard who served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. It will give them the same benefits as active duty personnel - because they fought the same war, they should receive the same benefits."

Durbin will introduce a similar version of the Welcome Home GI Bill in the Senate. The Welcome Home GI Bill provides returning GIs with:

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Health Care - Emanuel's plan provides returning American Veterans who are unable to secure health care from an employer with the same medical care they received while in the service. Veterans and their families would be entitled to this benefit for up to five years.
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Education and Job Training - Emanuel will provide $75,000 over 48 months to returning Veterans to pay for college or vocational training. Veterans could also use this money to pay off existing student loans.
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Housing - In addition to existing Veterans Administration's home loan guarantees, Emanuel's package will grant returning veterans a $5,000 down payment to purchase a home.

Lieutenant Colonel James M. O'Rourke, Sr., (Ret), Senior Vice Commander, 5th District, Department of Illinois of the American Legion was on hand at today's event to praise this important legislation.

"We owe basic health care, education and housing to our veterans. This package goes a long way toward giving them the tools they need to transition back to civilian life," said O'Rourke.

Keith Aguina from the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and Victor Cibelli, Second District Commander, State of Illinois Veterans of Foreign Wars, were also on hand at today's press conference.

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