Iraq funding bill expands GI benefits

Included in the Iraq Supplemental funding bill passed by the U.S. Senate on May 22 are expanded GI educational benefits. Developed by Sen. Daniel Akaka (D, HI) and Sen. Jim Webb (D, VA), the educational assistance package benefits all armed service members who have served on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001, including activated reservists and the National Guard.

The expanded benefits provided under this title will allow veterans pursuing an approved program of education to receive payments up to the cost of the most expensive in-state public school, plus a monthly stipend equivalent to housing costs in their area.

“This is very exciting for many of our young people who have volunteered to serve their country since the devastating terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Our country owes them a lot for putting their lives on the line to protect us,” said Washington Representative Pete A. Tenorio.

“Over the last six years I have had many opportunities to speak to our young men and women in uniform, and have been touched by their sense of duty and dedication to our country. I have also been saddened when many of them have told me that they felt the military was their only option, because there were no jobs in the CNMI for them. This new program will make it easier for them to get an education once they have completed their enlistment,” added Tenorio.

The GI education assistance section outlines that in order to qualify, veterans must have served at least three to 36 months of qualified active duty, beginning on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Educational benefits will be paid in amounts linked to the amount of active duty served in the military after Sept. 11. Veterans would receive some amount of assistance proportional to their service for 36 months (four academic years). They will still be eligible to receive any incentive-based supplemental education assistance from their military branch for which they qualify.

“This increased assistance level will help existing local programs such as Troops-to-Teachers. I have been in contact with Northern Marianas College advising them of this possibility and offering assistance if needed with implementation. Educating and retaining our youth is important especially in these dire economic times,” said Tenorio.

The Iraq supplemental bill will return to the House after the Memorial Day recess. The bill also contains requirements for numerous studies to be done on the CNMI’s economy and the impact of minimum wage. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]