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Press Release
For Immediate Release
April 29, 2008 |
Contact: Joe Soldevere
(212) 860-0606 |
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Rep. Maloney: New G.I. Bill the Right Way to Thank 21st Century Veterans for Their Service |
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Washington, D.C.: Today, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney expressed her strong support for a new “G.I. Bill” to give veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan educational opportunities on par with those afforded to returnees from World War II. H.R. 5740, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, would provide Iraq or Afghanistan veterans who have served 3 years on active duty with benefits to cover the costs of a four-year public college education, along with a stipend for housing, books and other expenses. Current veterans' education benefits cover only about 60% of the cost of a four-year degree.
“Veterans who have given their all for our country should have all of their college costs covered when they return home,” said Rep. Maloney. “The new Congress has made it a priority to honor veterans not just with words but with help. This new G.I. bill is the right way to thank 21st century veterans for their service to our country. I am proud to support this patriotic legislation.”
The original GI Bill made a free college education available to more than 15 million war veterans after World War II. By 1956, about 8 million World War II veterans took advantage of the GI Bill’s education and job training benefits.
Background:
01/16/08 - Rep. Maloney Hails Biggest Boost Ever for Veterans’ Health Care
07/13/07 - House Approves Biggest College Aid Increase Since WWII
12/11/06 - Passage of Schumer/Maloney Bill Allows Vets to Finally Use VA Loans for Co-Ops
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