Today, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) voted for S. 3447, the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, making targeted and critical improvements to the New GI Bill for the 21st Century, which will provide a four-year college education for nearly 300,000 veterans enrolled in college this fall.

“Providing our country’s deserving heroes with education and job opportunities is not only an investment for our veterans and their families but also for our economic strength,” said Congressman Higgins.  “With this legislation, we are giving our veterans the tools to rebuild their lives upon their return home.”

Benefitting over 74,000 servicemembers in Erie County and 12,500 in Chautauqua County, this legislation streamlines the New GI Bill, making it easier for veterans to use New BI Bill education benefits to pay for tuition at public and private universities, while covering veterans seeking job training.

Highlights of the legislation include:

• Vocational Training: Offering invaluable education and job training for veterans studying at vocational and technical schools that were not previously covered.
• Distance Learners: Living allowances for distance learners, like injured veterans forced to take online classes.
• Active Duty Book Stipend: Giving a book stipend of $1,000 per year for active duty students.
• Yellow Ribbon Program: Expanding and simplifying the Yellow Ribbon Program for veterans attending private colleges and universities and taking graduate courses, eliminating the confusing state cap system, and setting a $17,500 per year cap for tuition and fees. 
• Title 32 AGR: Granting full credit to National Guardsmen, including those called up to respond to national disasters like Hurricane Katrina or the BP oil spill, making more than 130,000 eligible for this education benefit.

This bill is endorsed by a range of veterans’ organizations, including the American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, Military Officers Association of America, National Guard Association, National Association of Uniformed Services, and Student Veterans of America.

Additional information on:
• GI Bill Benefits: http://www.gibill.va.gov/.
• Congressman Higgins Veterans work: http://higgins.house.gov/legislation/policy-positions/veterans.shtml