Issue Position: Provide Education to Our Veterans

Issue Position

A long-time advocate of our men and women in uniform, Congressman Butterfield believes that educational benefits are important steps towards honoring those who serve and helping them prepare for civilian life. He is working to resolve an inequity in existing law that allots fewer education funds to veterans who attend public institutions of higher learning.

You Should Know

For years, Congressman Butterfield has fought H.R. 595, the Veterans' Education Equity Act of 2013, to reward equal educational benefits to veterans whether they choose to attend a private or public institution of higher learning. Currently, thousands of veterans are deemed out-of-state residents, which means paying dramatically higher out-of-pocket costs to attend a public university. The bill would change the existing law which allots more education funds to veterans enrolled in private colleges than those in public institutions. Although the bill has not passed, Congressman Butterfield has shown his commitment to support laws that will give veterans the care they need. Senator Richard 'Dick' Durbin (D-IL) supported and introduced the bill to the Senate which is a great step in the right direction for our servicemembers.

Congressman Butterfield has also been a strong advocate for helping returning veterans transition back into their communities and the workforce. He has supported legislation to give veterans credit for skills acquired during their service such as driving heavy duty vehicles and medical experience to more quickly acquire credentials to continue in those industries at home. The Congressman is also an advocate for the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program. Congressman Butterfield has also been a strong supporter of federal payments to school districts near military installations to supplement education for students living near tax free property.

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