Congress eyes dramatic expansion of GI bill

[Terri]

By ANNE FLAHERTY
Associated Press
May 13, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congressional Democrats are pushing what could become the most dramatic expansion of college aid for military veterans since World War II, with a bill they hope will buoy them this election season and become an albatross for Republicans.

Pitched by the Democrats is a plan that would essentially guarantee a full-ride scholarship to any in-state public university, along with a monthly housing stipend, for individuals who serve the military for at least three years.

The proposal would give veterans 15 years to use the benefit, instead of the current 10-year limit, and would set up a new government program that matches financial aid by more expensive private institutions.

For a pricey public school -- such as Miami University in Oxford, Ohio -- that benefit might be worth as much as $31,000 per school year, compared to the $9,900 average benefit that veterans are given now.

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[hohmandr]

I don't have a problem with the increase in monies being discussed but I do have a problem with who it will cover and for how long. The bill should be for ALL vets,not just from 09/11/01, and should NOT have a time limit. I served 22 years in the Army retiring as a CWO Physician Assistant with a Course certificate. During the last 6 years in the Army I was assigned to a line unit with 60 to 100 hour weeks in the line and 60-70 hour weeks in hospital duties. Upon retirement I I worked as a civil service employee in surgery and was the PA Co-ordinator for Army program. So my opportunity to obtain a degree was never realized because the time ran out(10 years after leaving service). So now after leaving the work force as a 100% disabled vet and former POW I feel a bit cheated like when the decision was mde to take the promised free health care benefits away from retiree's. Donald R. Hohman CWO USA (Ret) POW.

[thomas]

The idea is right unfortunately three years is too short a period for the amount of benefit offered. At least six years active duty would be appropriate with benefits pro-rated for fewer active duty years. Me thinks as usual the Dems are trying to buy votes with tax dollars, thereby corrupting a good idea with bad intentions.
The Old Chief

[Love my Texas]

Congressional Democrats are pushing what could become the most dramatic expansion of college aid for military veterans since World War II, with a bill they hope will buoy them this election season and become an albatross for Republicans.

The only reason the Democrats are doing this is hopefully for the votes from the military. When have the Demos in the last years given a 'hoot' about our servicemen and women. Clinton did his best to ruin the military, and what do you think Obama or HillBill would do?

I believe the Dumos put forth this bill so it would not go through as is. The letters to editors in papers are already condemning President Bush and John McCain for not agreeing with the Dumos plan. Their ploy is to make the Republicans look like they are anti-military by not going along with their version.

[schillerbjr]

Just a "political stunt" by the Democrat Party for November, 2008!!


The Democrat Party only cares about the military in election years, after that, they don't
give a "HOOT"!

[makamends]

The Democrat Party only cares about the military in election years

Pick 'em while they're ripe.
and:

The bill should be for ALL vets,not just from 09/11/01, and should NOT have a time limit.

[Ben_Colder]

I feel a bit cheated like when the decision was mde to take the promised free health care benefits away from retiree's. Donald R. Hohman CWO USA (Ret) POW.

I too lost this benefit. I paid out of pocket twenty percent for cancer operation related to Agent Orange.

[THelsel]

From another organization of which I'm a member:


5/14/2008 8:48:47 AM
Vets for Freedom Supports Revised GI Bill

STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2008
Contact: Judy Mayka (202) 338-4070




(Washington DC) Vets for Freedom urges Senate members to work together to pass a GI Bill that not only addresses the immediate need for increased financial and educational benefits, but that also takes into account the unique dynamics of today’s all-volunteer force. The US military is working hard to increase its ranks in order to meet strategic needs across the globe; and as a result, it is imperative that recruitment and retention are both addressed as part of any GI Bill.

The Webb Bill correctly recognizes the rising costs of secondary education, and the importance of pegging yearly benefit increases to educational inflation indices, rather than the Consumer Price Index, which would require Congress to revisit the issue in a few years. The Webb Bill also allows for the accrual of Active Duty benefits for Reservists and National Guardsmen, many of which have seen repeated deployments.

On the other hand, the McCain-Graham Bill substantially increases monthly educational benefits and could be implemented immediately; while the Webb Bill would take over a year to implement and would require a new layer of Pentagon bureaucracy. The McCain-Graham Bill also rewards troops who remain in the military, providing strong incentives for our best and brightest to continue their service and support a growing force.

“Both the Webb and McCain-Graham bills have valuable aspects that address the needs of our military and our men and women in uniform.” said Pete Hegseth, Executive Director of Vets for Freedom. “Vets for Freedom trusts that those involved will work toward a compromise to integrate the best aspects of both bills, and ensure its passage and implementation in a timely manner.”

Vets for Freedom is a nonpartisan organization established by combat veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Its mission is to educate the American public about the importance of achieving success in these conflicts by applying our first-hand knowledge to issues of American military strategy. For more information, please visit www.vetsforfreedom.o rg

For more information or to schedule interviews with Pete Hegseth or other Iraq/Afghanistan veterans, please contact Judy Mayka at (202) 338-4070 or Judy@vetsforfreedom. org

[autocad]

I'd like to add, after WWII, many, many, many returning veterans used the GI bill.

It's a good thing to do for veterans. I don't know about the pricey colleges.

So now after leaving the work force as a 100% disabled vet and former POW I feel a bit cheated like when the decision was mde to take the promised free health care benefits away from retiree's

Lifetime medical care was promised to the WWII vets too.

[RW]

When I was a Navy recruiter in the mid 70's, lifetime medical care was one of my recruiting tools for those who joined up, and it didn't matter if they retired from the military. It was guaranteed if someone was discharged, either honorably or a general discharge. One hitch was all that was required for free lifetime medical care.