As of February 2008, Capitol Hill was in the midst of considering changes that could greatly assist veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In an overhaul of the GI Bill, education benefits would be increased to mirror the generous post-World War II Bill that not only enabled veterans to pay for education but was also credited with spurring broad economic growth in the U.S.
Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of the nonpartisan group, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), said, “Momentum is finally building across America for the new GI Bill. This is something we can and must get done in Congress this year.” Jim Webb, Democratic Senator from Virginia, added, “I hope the Senate leadership and my Republican colleagues take note of the overwhelming support for this initiative and will put partisanship and politics aside to address this national problem.”
Currently, the most a veteran can receive is approximately $9,600 a year for four years. Those who served combat tours with the National Guard or Reserves are eligible for even less — typically just $440 per month, or $5,280 a year. By contrast, the average four-year public college costs more than $65,000, about $16,250 a year, for an in-state student. A private university costs on average about $133,000 for four years.
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have relied heavily on the Reserve forces. The new bill would ensure that reservists who served at least two years of active duty would receive the same benefit as the active-duty troops.
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