The new Post 9/11 GI Bill was designed to increase the educational benefits of veterans who have given great sacrifice and service to the Unites States of America.
Unfortunately, for many California veterans who attend any of the 76 non-profit or independent colleges and universities will not be entitled to the full benefit they deserve. Due to semantics and wording of the Post 9/11 GI Bill, California student veterans are
entitled to $0 per credit hour towards tuition since a California law technically prohibits public colleges and universities to charge in-state tuition. California public colleges and universities are able to bypass this law by imposing higher "fees", such as the "educational fee" imposed at the University of California. So while "fees" range only between $500-$1,500 each semester at private institutions, it may be over $6,500 for an undergraduate public institution.
"The Veterans Educational Equity Act ensures California's brave soldiers can benefit from the full amount to which they are entitled under the post-9/11 GI Bill." -- McKeon.
Please sign this petition to ensure that California veterans are not left behind.
California has the largest veteran population in the United States, with over 2 million veterans. Unlike other states, California has
$0 state funding provided for servicemembers' and veteran educational benefits. It would be a shame if California veterans are also denied of their full entitlement for federal educational benefits.
Here is the
press release from Congressman McKeon's website.
Check out this
military blog to see what people are saying/thinking.
Check out this
article to read about how it is affecting veteran students.
