African-Americans Benefit Big From New G.I. Bill
http://www.aframnews.com/html/interspire/articles/754/1/African-Americans-Benefit-Big-From--New-GI-Bill/Page1.html
Carmen Watkins
Carmen Watkins is president and CEO of the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston. By Carmen Watkins
Published on 08/11/2009
It was heralded as one of the most significant pieces of legislation ever produced by the federal government—one that impacted the United States socially, economically and politically. The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944—commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights. The bill provided million of servicemen returning from war, an opportunity at education and housing benefits that would provide them with a chance of acquiring the American dream.
It was heralded as one of the most significant pieces of legislation ever produced by the federal government—one that impacted the United States socially, economically and politically. The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944—commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights. The bill provided million of servicemen returning from war, an opportunity at education and housing benefits that would provide them with a chance of acquiring the American dream.
However, intent and reality were miles apart. Immediately, African- American servicemen complained of unfair treatment in the application of the GI benefits. From refusing benefits to “redlining” in housing practices, the GI Bill’s intentions were far from the reality that African-American veterans experienced.
Now more than 60 years later, vets will be able to enjoy a new slate of benefits that have just been made available through congressional revision set in motion last year. In 2008, the GI Bill was updated, with the new law giving veterans with active duty service on, or after, Sept. 11 2001, enhanced educational benefits that cover more educational expenses, provide a living allowance, money for books and the ability to transfer unused educational benefits to spouses or children.
The Post - 9/11 GI Bill is a new education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. The official wording of the bill, says that “you may be eligible if you served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after September 10, 2001, and you are still on active duty or were honorably discharged from the active duty; or -released from active duty and placed on the retired list or temporary disability retired list…” But for the first time, the government will pay tuition and fees directly to the school up front, so the veteran doesn’t have to pay out of pocket.
There’s also a $1,000 stipend for books and a housing allowance based on the cost of living where the veteran is going to school. And for the first time, veterans enrolled in the program will be able to transfer unused benefits to spouses or children. For more information about the new GI Bill and what it offers, check out the website at www.GIBILL.VA.GOV/GI Bill Info/programs.htm .
There you can verify university programs, housing supplemental and you can check on the $2,000 benefit limit for the reimbursement of one licensing or certification test.
However, intent and reality were miles apart. Immediately, African- American servicemen complained of unfair treatment in the application of the GI benefits. From refusing benefits to “redlining” in housing practices, the GI Bill’s intentions were far from the reality that African-American veterans experienced.
Now more than 60 years later, vets will be able to enjoy a new slate of benefits that have just been made available through congressional revision set in motion last year. In 2008, the GI Bill was updated, with the new law giving veterans with active duty service on, or after, Sept. 11 2001, enhanced educational benefits that cover more educational expenses, provide a living allowance, money for books and the ability to transfer unused educational benefits to spouses or children.
The Post - 9/11 GI Bill is a new education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. The official wording of the bill, says that “you may be eligible if you served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after September 10, 2001, and you are still on active duty or were honorably discharged from the active duty; or -released from active duty and placed on the retired list or temporary disability retired list…” But for the first time, the government will pay tuition and fees directly to the school up front, so the veteran doesn’t have to pay out of pocket.
There’s also a $1,000 stipend for books and a housing allowance based on the cost of living where the veteran is going to school. And for the first time, veterans enrolled in the program will be able to transfer unused benefits to spouses or children. For more information about the new GI Bill and what it offers, check out the website at www.GIBILL.VA.GOV/GI Bill Info/programs.htm .
There you can verify university programs, housing supplemental and you can check on the $2,000 benefit limit for the reimbursement of one licensing or certification test.