U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez Of New Mexico Introduces Bill To Support Veterans’ Continued Education
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico announced Wednesday the introduction of H.R. 8514, the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act, a new bill aimed at increasing the yearly books and supply stipend, providing veterans with the necessary financial stability to focus on their studies and prepare for their future.
Vasquez presented the bill during the House Veteran Affairs (HVAC) Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity hearing on pending legislation.
“I am proud to introduce the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act, which will significantly boost the financial support our veterans receive for their continued education,” Vasquez said. “By increasing the annual stipend for books, supplies, and equipment, this bill ensures our veterans have the resources they need to succeed in their studies and future careers. Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our country, and it is past time we give them the necessary resources to thrive as they work on continuing their education.”
WATCH: Vasquez Introduces Veterans Bill During HVAC Subcommittee Hearing
The Post 9/11 GI Bill has been a key part of America’s promise to veterans, offering them the educational benefits they need to reach their academic and career goals. Currently, under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, veterans receive $1,000 per year, which is divided over the time they are attending training.
The Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act addresses the growing need for increased financial support for veterans pursuing higher education and vocational training. Vasquez’s bill would raise the amount to $1,400 per year and introduce a cost-of-living adjustment each year. The current amount has not changed in over a decade, and the proposed increase in the stipend and the annual cost of living adjustment aims to better reflect the rising costs of educational materials and living expenses.
“We have greatly expanded and protected education benefits for veterans in recent years, but that doesn’t mean much if the student veteran can’t afford key materials like books and equipment. As the Ranking Member on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I would like to thank Rep. Vasquez for introducing this commonsense legislation to fix the book stipend that has not changed in 15 years. We want to make sure that student veterans are able to succeed in their reintegration into civilian life and get the education and opportunities they have earned,” said U.S. Rep. Mark Takano, Ranking Member on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
“Since the passage of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, student veterans receive $1,000 each academic year for books and supplies,” said Tammy Barlet, Vice President of Government Affairs of Student Veterans of America (SVA). “This much-needed stipend for crucial and required educational support items has remained stagnant despite significant cost increases over the past decade. SVA supports H.R. 8514, Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act, which would adjust the stipend for books, supplies, equipment, and other necessary education costs under Chapter 33 – Post 9/11 GI Bill to $1,400 and would codify an annual increase. We thank Rep. Vasquez for introducing this critical piece of legislation to correct a long-awaited update, which will help combat the rising cost of educational materials and make it easier for student veterans to manage their education expenses.”
“Many veterans most often pay out of pocket to cover books and supplies, which increases their burden to complete the educational goals. This bill helps better support our student veterans with the ever-increasing costs of higher education,” said Hector Sanchez, Director of Military and Veteran Programs at New Mexico State University.
Vasquez said he remains committed to improving the lives of veterans and their families.