Fight for a New GI Bill: National Ads Targets Key Lawmakers

Full Page Newspaper Ads Urge Senators and Representatives to Make Education Affordable for New Veterans

April 14, 2008 -- NEW YORK - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, today ran full page ads in newspapers across the country urging key Senators and Representatives to support a modern GI Bill for America's newest generation of veterans.

Iraq veterans against the war: Photo by Night Heron (CC)

The ads feature photographs of Ted Rakar and Patrick Neilson, both of whom served in Iraq with the Pennsylvania National Guard. The ads read "We sent them to war. Why can't we send them to college?" and urge lawmakers to support the "21st Century GI Bill" or S.22/ H.R. 5740. The bill was introduced in Congress by some of the Senate's own combat veterans including Senators Jim Webb (VA-D), John Warner (VA-R), Chuck Hagel (NE-R) and Frank Lautenberg (NJ-D). More than 230 lawmakers have signed on to this bipartisan legislation, and increased support is vital.

"The original GI Bill made education affordable for 8 million World War II veterans, but today's troops receive just a fraction of that benefit," said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. "Sending our veterans to college expresses the nation's gratitude for their service and makes economic sense."

The ads running today are part of an ongoing media campaign to urge Congress to pass a modern GI Bill. Today, IAVA targeted five key lawmakers including Senator Lindsey Graham (SC) and Congressmen Jerry Lewis (CA-41); John Murtha (PA-12); David Obey (WI-7) and Norman Dicks (WA-6).

"Honoring our nation's veterans is not a partisan issue. We have seen tremendous support from both Republicans and Democrats, but there's more work to be done," said Rieckhoff. "Every lawmaker should stand with us to truly support America's newest generation of heroes. Congress must pass a new GI Bill this year."

After World War II, the GI Bill covered tuition, fees, books, and a living stipend for millions of veterans. Today's GI Bill, however, covers less than 70% of the cost of an education at a public school and less than half of a four-year private school degree. The "21st Century GI Bill" would make veterans eligible to receive up to the full tuition for the most expensive public school in their state. In most states, this is a significant increase from the federal funding of $9,900 per year that is currently available.

For much more information on the GI Bill, including today's newspaper ad and an in-depth report with downloadable Quick Facts, please visit www.GIBill2008.org.

Source: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

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