New GI Bill Could Bring More College Benefits
Congress is considering proposals from Sen. Jim Webb and Sen. John McCain
While transferability has won widespread support, the stingier payments have attracted criticism from many of those McCain no doubt hopes will vote for him in November. McCain's proposed $14,000-a-year benefit, while covering the average tuition, fees, and room and board of a public university, is too paltry for the "crazy costs" facing many veterans hoping for a college education, says American Legion spokeswoman Ramona Joyce. Besides, Joyce notes, while the better benefits might lure 16 percent of experienced soldiers out of the service, the Congressional Budget Office also found that it would be so attractive to civilians that it would increase recruiting by 16 percent.
Some campaign analysts predict a compromise bill will likely make it into law soon. McCain is currently polling behind Obama, who is a cosponsor of the more generous bill and may be considering Webb as a vice presidential candidate. Congressional negotiators in mid-June were quietly trying to add transferability provisions to Webb's bill and make a few other tweaks. Their goal: a compromise that helps veterans and allows all sides to proclaim victory.
Reader Comments
appreciate
just appreciate this new bill because if alot us here in iraq come home cannt go to school or get a job for those not saying in trust me we will turn the civilian world upside down, u know wat am talking about, if u did know the country needs us so wat if the country pays more for our best interest.you know what it like to see ur body blown up in peaces and have to take him up, let me say this we are here trying to weedout these bad apple before they reach the state so its in our country best interest to give us wat we need
12-5-2008 Merry Christmas
Financial Flop heard around the world. Now with the whole economy in the toilet, I wonder how this is going to alter any proposed plans for corrective measures taken to aid in college tuition for ANY military vets regardless of pre-post 9/11. I've been out since just before 9/11 (that's my birthday too actually). Family and other obligations have kept me from persuing my own interests up to this point. Now that I get a chance to persue my education, I am absolutely frightened at the idea that it won't happen at all. I must understand that we are all in this together though, I like the idea of the University of choice (whichever that be) lowering their cost to veterans. This would be an excellent idea in my opinion. Hopefully it's not a pie in the sky idea though. If the military loses retention because of it, then at least they are not spending all the money it would take to put a student through a 4 year University and possibly housing food at full price. I would love it if they did, but I understand now more than ever that money is not growing on the branches. We need the money in so many places it's not funny at all. The money saved by the military in the joint scratching of backs by the University/Government/Military could be used for bells and whistles on re-enlistment bonuses for those who decide to stay in. All that said, I hope I can go to school at all. This is a bad time for us all, in the finance department as well as hope for a good future.
The bitter vets that are against this that are proven wrong and are also wrong in wishing their misery on those who serve in the uniform that they wore. Brotherly kindness would be a first. Taking joy in your fellow service men and womens awarded an education for blood and sacrifice is core of military service. You display none of this and disgrace the uniform. Shame on you!
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