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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 25, 2006
CONTACT: Geoffrey Collver @ 202/225-9756
EVANS CALLS FOR INCREASED EFFORTS TO ENHANCE AND MODERNIZE VETERANS’
EDUCATION AND TRAINING BENEFITS
Notes “Modest” Increase to GI Bill Payments
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Lane Evans (D-IL), ranking Democratic member on
the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and senior member of the Armed
Services Committee, today urged lawmakers to modernize and enhance the
GI Bill to reflect 21st century education and workforce systems, as well
as recognize the current “total force” defense policy. Evans also called
attention to the annual cost of living adjustment to veterans’ education
benefits, scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2006.
GI Bill payments for all education programs will increase by 4 percent
over last year’s rates. Payment to veterans who served three years or
more will increase to $1,075 a month; payments to veterans who served
less than three years will increase to $873 per month; and payments to
Selected Reservists will increase to $309 a month.
“While the annual cost of living adjustment for GI Bill payments is only
a modest increase compared to the actual increase in tuition costs in
recent years, it remains a very important tool. Without the index the GI
Bill program would lose even greater purchasing power and more and more
veterans would be deprived of critical education and training
opportunities,” said Evans.
“As a former beneficiary of the GI Bill I know how important these
benefits can be to servicemembers and veterans seeking to accomplish
career goals,” said Evans. “Congress must continue to make veterans’
education and training programs a priority in future years. I hope my
colleagues will move forward on a 'total force GI Bill' which is needed
due to increased activations of the Guard and Reserve and eroding
purchasing power of the Selected Reserve education program,” observed
Evans.
Members of the House Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee
will participate in a joint hearing with the House Armed Services
Military Personnel Subcommittee to examine the GI Bill and explore
efforts to improve and modernize the program.
To view GI Bill payment rates, click here:
http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/rates.htm
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Larry Scott
