My Congressman, John Hall (D-NY-19), sends out regular newsletters and much to my dismay got my email address. That being said, I really don't mind knowing what he's doing and what havoc he's causing in the 19th District. Anyway, I got the below email from him today regarding the GI Bill. Now I don't know if this is a Republican or Democrat issue, but frankly, I don't see what is wrong with providing our troops with something hopeful, like an education that is actually paid for. After all, the Armed Services do tout that as a big reason to join. Of course I understand that there is an enormous cost involved, but this is the future of the country we're training. Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) was on The Daily Show the other night talking about this issue and made mention that the Pentagon said that they would lose too many troops to advancement. Well, there are plenty of people out there to recruit. I'd rather have educated officers or educated DoD contractors than ground troops. I also am upset that McCain doesn't support this bill. Maybe there is something I am missing... logic?
"Like the original GI Bill did after World War II, a new GI Bill for the 21st Century will give veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan the tools needed to succeed as they return from war and at the same time help strengthen American economic recovery. The original GI Bill returned $7 to the economy for every $1 spent on it. Congress passed the 21st Century GI Bill with support from the major veterans groups and by a large bipartisan margin.
Unfortunately, President Bush has threatened to veto this legislation. I strongly disagree with this decision and believe our veterans of today and tomorrow deserve the promise of a college education.
Currently, GI educational benefits pay only about 60 percent of a public college education and 30 percent of a private college education. In the new GI Bill, those who have served on active duty for three years or more would qualify for the costs of a four-year education up to the level of the most expensive in-state public school. Those who have served between three months and three years of active duty would qualify for part of that full benefit.
As Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, I urge President Bush to show a commitment to honoring the men and women he’s asked so much of and sign the GI Bill for the 21st Century."
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