In June 2009, U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Assistant Secretary Tammy Duckworth joined Rep. Welch in Rutland to announce the start of the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Passed in June 2008, the new GI Bill allows eligible veterans who served at least 90 days active duty since Sept. 11, 2001, to receive an in-state, undergraduate education at a public institution at no cost.
"Vermonters have a long and proud tradition of military service, and our state has a history of contributing far in excess of its size to the defense of our nation. When a war is over and our brave veterans return home, it is our most solemn obligation to keep our promise and ensure they have the services and resources they require to succeed. I have long believed that the cost of the war must include the cost of caring for the warrior. That is why I have promoted policies that support veterans by modernizing and streamlining health care systems within the Veterans Administration, improving and expanding educational and workforce training programs for veterans, and supporting veteran-owned businesses."
Senator Patrick Leahy (D), Senator Bernie Sanders (I) and Representative Peter Welch (D) Tuesday announced a new $1 million Department of Veterans Affairs grant to Veterans Inc., a Worcester, Mass., based group that operates a residence for homeless veterans in Bradford, Vt. Veterans Inc. has been in operation for 20 years and provides supportive services to veterans and their families throughout New England.
Tim McCollum returned from his most recent tour of duty in Afghanistan last year to find a new business waiting for him.
McCollum and his wife, Michelle, founded their property management business with the help of a program run through the Vermont Small Business Development Center. Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., intends to take the program national and discussed that goal with McCollum and SBDC officials at a press conference Tuesday.
Congressman Peter Welch, D-Vt., has hailed a Vermont business counseling and training program aimed at helping veterans start and manage their own businesses. Welch said at a press conference in Rutland Tuesday that he hopes the program will become a national model.