Veteran’s Education Issues and Senator Jeff Bingaman

Senator Jeff Bingaman has always been a strong supporter of our troops. He has never showed the slightest hesitation when it comes to encouraging our local troops to further their education. Like most democratic senators he understands that education is the best route to a better life here in New Mexico and around the country. With a large amount of state funds going to pay for high priced presidents and senior administration staff at our local colleges less and less funds are available for educators and students so to that end I asked Senator Bingaman what his stand was on veteran’s educational benefits. Here is his reply.

“You will be pleased to know that I am a cosponsor of S. 2575, the Montgomery GI Assistance Transferability Act of 2008. This legislation removes certain limitations on basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill. I strongly believe that our government has the obligation to care for those who dedicate their lives to protecting our Nation, and I will continue to do everything I can to support this effort.

I am also a proud cosponsor of S. 22, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007. This legislation was introduced by Senator Webb and has been referred to the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. This legislation provides the largest student aid increase since the 1944 Montgomery G.I. bill. This bill essentially provides a full scholarship at any in-state public university along with books, fees, and a housing stipend for post 9/11 veterans, who have served in the military since September, 2001. This increase would cost $52 billion over ten years. It is estimated that this would save participants in the new GI bill $18,815 per year, double what they receive under the current GI bill. In addition, this legislation will allow the pursuit of programs on less than a half-time basis, apprenticeship or other on-job training, correspondence courses, flight training, tutorial assistance, licensure and certification tests, and will allow individuals currently under the GI Bill educational assistance program to elect to participate in the post-9/11 educational assistance program with respect to any unused entitlement. This is an important bill and I will do all that I can to see that it is signed into law.

Lastly, the Senate passed H.R. 2642, the Emergency Supplemental Funding Appropriations Act of 2008, on May 22, 2008. I voted in favor of this legislation which included $100 million for post 9/11 education benefits for veterans.”