New Legislation Protects Student Veterans from Benefits Reduction

The House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill yesterday protecting some student veterans from reductions in Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition payments. The Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011 (H.R. 1383) enables student veterans currently attending private schools in Arizona, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas to complete their degree without a change in benefits.

Government keeping its promise to America's student veterans

Under changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill enacted late last year, tuition benefits for students attending private schools were capped at $17,500, a change that goes into effect on August 1. For veterans in the seven states above, that would have resulted in a decrease in benefits. Under H.R. 1383, student veterans accepted to a school on or prior to January 4, 2011 will continue to receive benefits at the higher rate.

"We are keeping our promise to America's student veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill through this new legislation, enabling them to stay in the school of their choice," said representative Jeff Miller, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

The bill now goes to President Obama for signature and should go into effect August 1, 2011. For more information about the Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011, refer to the press release "Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act Sent to President for Signature."

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