WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTWO/WAWV)— Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth (D) and Indiana Senator Jim Banks (R) helped introduce bipartisan legislation to help give more support to veterans seeking higher education.
The bill, entitled the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act, will increase the yearly books and supplies stipend to $1,500 to keep up with inflation. The bill also increases the supply stipends for those enrolled in apprenticeships and pursuing careers in trades to $128.
“When our Veterans hang up their uniform, they deserve our full support as they transition back into civilian life and easy access to the benefits they’ve earned,” said Senator Duckworth. “As inflation continues to rise, the cost of required books, supplies and materials for those pursuing higher education and apprenticeships has also skyrocketed. By increasing the annual books and supplies stipend, we’re helping ensure more Veterans can pursue education and training opportunities without being held back by rising costs.”
Veterans use the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ post-9/11 GI Bill program to access higher education more affordably after their service. This program helps pay tuition and currently provides a $1,000 annual stipend that hasn’t been raised in 18 years.
Presently, more than 60,000 veterans using the program are receiving less educational assistance than their fellow veterans did. The act will also require the VA Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the latest Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits adjustments, data demonstrating trends in veteran participation, graduation rates from education programs and the average processing time for veterans applying to receive education benefits.
To read the full text of the proposed legislation, you can click this link.