Webb: Post-9/11 Bill has helped 500K

Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) today made the following statement on the three-year anniversary of the Post-9/11 GI Bill being signed into law:

“Today marks the three-year anniversary of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. I was privileged to introduce this landmark legislation on my first day in office. We began with a simple concept—if we continue to call our veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan the next ‘Greatest Generation,’ then we should as a nation express our appreciation in a proper way by giving them the same educational benefits as those who served during World War II.

“Our idea was to provide those who have served since 9/11 the most comprehensive educational benefits since World War II, and we did just that. As of today, more than 875,000 students have applied to receive their new benefits and more than 500,000 have enrolled in classes on the Post-9/11 GI Bill. That’s half a million men and women who otherwise might not have had the opportunity to attend college.

“The United States has never erred when it has made sustained new investments in higher education and job training – and its veterans. Educated veterans not only have an easier transition and readjustment experience, but they boast higher income levels, which in the long run increase tax revenues.

“We can all take pride in saying that we have brought about a proper investment in the future of those who, since 9/11, have given so much to this country.”

Signed into law on June 30, 2008 and implemented two years ago, the Post-9/11 GI Bill offers returning service members up to 36 months of benefits including payment of tuition, fees and educational costs, plus a monthly housing allowance while enrolled in full-time training.