Golf Claps: The 21st Century G.I. Bill

The bi-partisan 21st Century G.I. Bill is one of the most progressive spending packages I’ve come across. It provides access to a college education for American armed forces veterans. Under the previous system, a veteran could receive up to $9,600/year for four years, which covered only 60-70% of the average cost of four years at a public college or university, or less than two years at a typical private college. The bill covers 100% of a public education, and matches dollar-for-dollar any scholarships given when attending a private institution. It also calls for a housing stipend, which varies by geographical area.

The new G.I. bill is projected to cost about $2.5 billion per year, roughly the cost of U.S. operations in Iraq for one week. Veterans organizations pointed out that a 1988 Congressional study showing that every dollar spent on educational benefits under the original GI Bill added seven dollars to the national economy in terms of productivity, consumer spending and tax revenue.

Seems like a good investment to me.

The bill passed the senate with a veto-proof 75-22 vote.

Kudos to both parties.

The 21st Century G.I. Bill