MAY 12TH, 2008 | Polis for Congress
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 12, 2008
CONTACT: Dayna Hanson, (720) 936-7034 or Dayna@polisforcongress.com
POLIS CALLS ON CONGRESS TO PASS GI BILL OF RIGHTS AS “STAND ALONE” LEGISLATION
BOULDER, CO – Jared Polis today called on Congress to pass the GI Bill of Rights as “stand alone” legislation and not as part of the Emergency Supplemental to continue funding of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The legislation, entitled the “Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act" (S.22/ H.R. 5740) is sponsored by Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) and would extend enough tuition money to vets to complete a four year degree at a state or private university. The benefit would extend to only those who have served at least three years in the military and the $50 billion in funding would be spread out over ten years.
“I have spent a good part of my time on this campaign talking with veterans who have served our country – veterans who are trying to go from soldier to citizen,” said Polis. “It’s not an easy transition and we must ensure they have the tools and resources to improve their futures through education.
“It’s time for all Democrats in Congress to oppose pairing the war funding bill with this much needed educational funding. Let’s stop using the term ‘support our troops’ and actually start doing it by keeping our promise to them and passing this bill.
The legislation is being considered one of the most comprehensive GI Benefit packages for education since the original GI Bill, passed during WWII and signed by President Roosevelt in 1944. The legislation currently has 58 co-sponsors in the Senate and 250 cosponsors in the House.
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MAY 12, 2008
CONTACT: Dayna Hanson, (720) 936-7034 or Dayna@polisforcongress.com
POLIS CALLS ON CONGRESS TO PASS GI BILL OF RIGHTS AS “STAND ALONE” LEGISLATION
BOULDER, CO – Jared Polis today called on Congress to pass the GI Bill of Rights as “stand alone” legislation and not as part of the Emergency Supplemental to continue funding of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The legislation, entitled the “Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act" (S.22/ H.R. 5740) is sponsored by Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) and would extend enough tuition money to vets to complete a four year degree at a state or private university. The benefit would extend to only those who have served at least three years in the military and the $50 billion in funding would be spread out over ten years.
“I have spent a good part of my time on this campaign talking with veterans who have served our country – veterans who are trying to go from soldier to citizen,” said Polis. “It’s not an easy transition and we must ensure they have the tools and resources to improve their futures through education.
“It’s time for all Democrats in Congress to oppose pairing the war funding bill with this much needed educational funding. Let’s stop using the term ‘support our troops’ and actually start doing it by keeping our promise to them and passing this bill.
The legislation is being considered one of the most comprehensive GI Benefit packages for education since the original GI Bill, passed during WWII and signed by President Roosevelt in 1944. The legislation currently has 58 co-sponsors in the Senate and 250 cosponsors in the House.
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