Every week, 2,000 - 3,000 Second District residents write to me about the issues pending before Congress, and I work hard to respond to each person as promptly and thoughtfully as possible.  On this "Letter of the Week" blog, I highlight constituent letters that are of general interest.  If you'd like to share your own views, please feel free to e-mail me at any time!

Dear Nancy,

This week, a vote is scheduled in the House on funding the New GI Bill (HB 5740). I stand with my fellow Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America in supporting a new, World War II-style GI Bill for our newest generation of veterans. Please vote in favor of the New GI Bill and help send our returning troops to college.

Thank you & keep up the excellent work!

Brian from Osage City, Kansas

Dear Brian,

Thank you for contacting me about educational benefits for our country’s veterans.  I am pleased to report that the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, which passed the House with my support on May 15, 2008, included many much needed changes and improvements to the 1944 Montgomery GI Bill. 

The original GI Bill launched millions of families on a course of prosperity and toward achieving the American Dream.  It also set the American economy on the right course – every dollar spent on the original GI Bill created a seven-fold return for the economy.  Right now, veterans’ education benefits cover only about 60 percent of the cost of a public-school education.  We’ve lost sight of the intent of the bill, and how to do right by our veterans.  The new GI Bill honors the hard work and sacrifices of our brave men and women in uniform, and recognizes the debt America owes them for their service. 

Here are some of the features of the new GI Bill:

• Servicemembers, who have served 3 years on active duty, will receive benefits to cover the costs of a four-year education at the level of the most expensive in-state public school.  In Kansas that would be University of Kansas at $6,153/year.

• It also includes a stipend for housing, books and other expenses.  In Kansas, the average stipend will be $885/month for living expenses and $1,000/year for books.

• It eliminates the $1,200 buy-in for active duty servicemembers.

• Benefits are available longer – they’ll now expire after 15 years instead of 10.

• Veterans can use benefits in non-traditional ways – for tutors, for licensure and certification tests, seminars, and continuing education.

• Education benefits would be available to members of the National Guard and Reserve who have served at least 3 months of active duty service since September 11, 2001.  They will be able to access this benefit as they accrue time served in active duty.
 
• The new GI Bill is expensive, but the price tag is appropriate.  The first two years of the new GI bill will cost what we spend in two days in Iraq. 

My search for improvements to the GI Bill began in March, when I sent out a request asking for suggested improvements to the GI Bill to my Veteran’s Military Affairs Advisory Committee.  The Council consists of respected community leaders in veterans’ and military issues and is devoted to gathering ideas from Second District soldiers and veterans, generating ideas for improvement and providing policy guidance.  I was able to use their suggestions to choose to co-sponsor the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (H.R. 5740), which was eventually included in the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act.  I am grateful to everyone who contacted my office with their input.  I also know, from reading letters and traveling across the Second District, that our work on the GI Bill isn’t finished.  For example, I’ve heard from too many students who say that we need to streamline the process so that veterans receive their education benefits in time.

There’s still more work to be done to fully honor the dedication of our veterans.  But I believe this is a crucial first step.  In 2007 Kansas had 4,291 veterans using their education benefits.  The bottom line is that when the new GI bill passes, veterans in Kansas will be eligible for up to an additional $16,986,093 in education benefits next year alone!

Sincerely,

Nancy Boyda
Member of Congress