LANSING – State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) today called on Congress and President Bush to approve the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, which will provide the first significant update of the GI Bill of Rights since 1984 and restore our country's ability to provide the educational opportunities that our veterans have earned.
"The GI Bill has been a proud part of our country's tradition of honoring and rewarding military service and has enabled tens of millions of veterans to receive an education," said Brown, Vice Chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committee. "However, the GI Bill has not kept up with the increase in the costs of a college education in the past 24 years. Our fellow citizens are risking their lives for our freedom, and we must keep our promises to them when they get home. Updating the GI Bill will ensure that service members returning to civilian life can further their education and get the good-paying jobs they need to take care of their families."
Brown sponsored a resolution, which the House adopted Thursday, urging Congress to approve the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act. The legislation increases the amount of education aid available to returning service members through the GI Bill. It would provide aid equal to in-state tuition at a public university, and provide stipends for housing and books.
Congress passed the original GI Bill of Rights in 1944 and among its provisions was a guarantee that the government would pick up the cost of a college education for returning service members. However, the last major changes to the GI Bill were made in 1984 and since that time, the cost of a college education has dramatically increased. Current payments cover only approximately 60 percent to 70 percent of the average cost of a 4-year public university and less than half the cost of a private school.
"The new GI Bill will help honor the service of our brave men and women in uniform and the sacrifices they have made," Brown said. "I urge my colleagues in the U.S. Congress and President Bush to make this important change so that our nation can truly show that we support our veterans."