New provisions included in the post-9/11 G.I. Bill provide veterans with more opportunities to pursue higher education.
Congressman Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh, said veterans can now use their benefits to attend non-traditional institutions, in addition to colleges and universities. He said expansions to the bill will help returning service members transition into private sector employment.
Owens said the provisions also allows veterans to stay in the North Country.
"With nearly 3.2 million unfilled jobs across the country, the training provided by these benefits will help us put America's heroes back to work," he said in an emailed statement.
The new provisions, which took effect Oct. 1, allow veterans to use their G.I. Bill benefits to cover the cost of non-college degree programs, Owens said. That includes on-the-job and apprenticeship training, flight schools, and other correspondence programs. Under the revised bill, active duty members can use a stipend to purchase books and supplies.
Owens added that National Guard members mobilized on or after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks are now eligible for benefits under the post-9/11 G.I. Bill.
"As a veteran, I applaud the bipartisan work that has been done to provide the opportunities and benefits that American troops have earned," Owen said.
Contact Chris Morris at 891-2600 ext. 26 or cmorris@adirondack
dailyenterprise.com.