Preconsidered Res. No. 1500

Resolution calling upon President Bush to sign the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act.  

By Council Member Monserrate, the Speaker (Council Member Quinn) and Council Members Dickens, Jackson, Stewart, Recchia, Jr., Fidler, Weprin, Comrie, Felder, Vann, Sanders, Jr., Mark-Viverito, Arroyo, Gentile, Koppell, Seabrook, Palma, James, Sears and Nelson

Whereas, In 1944, President Roosevelt signed into law the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, most commonly referred to as the “G.I. Bill”; and

Whereas, Key provisions of this legislation included education and training, loan guaranty for homes, farms or businesses and unemployment pay; and

Whereas, According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, by the time the original G.I. Bill ended on July 25, 1956, 7.8 million of 16 million World War II veterans had participated in an education or training program; and

 Whereas, The World War II G.I. Bill has been regarded as one of the most successful social benefits programs and one of the soundest investments in human potential in our nation’s history; and

Whereas, Many believe that the World War II G.I. Bill was hugely responsible for  creating a solid middle class of college educated home owners whose contribution to society is unparalleled; and

Whereas, Since the 1950s, the G.I. Bill and veterans’ benefits have been adjusted a number of times by Congress and have not kept pace with increasing costs of college education; and

Whereas, The current version of the G.I. Bill, known as the Montgomery G.I Bill, was designed for peacetime, limits the benefits to National Guard and Reservists, and does not even cover the full cost of an education at a public university; and

Whereas, The Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, also known as the “New” G.I. Bill was passed by both the United States Senate and House of Representatives in May 2008; and

Whereas, The New G.I. Bill would more closely resemble the educational benefits provided to veterans returning from World War II by increasing educational benefits to members of the military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, including activated reservists and National Guard; and

Whereas, Despite tremendous bipartisan support in both Houses of Congress and backing from a multitude of veterans’ service organizations, President Bush has threatened to veto this legislation; and

Whereas, The Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act is expected to be presented to the President of the United States for consideration and signature in the immediate future; and  

Whereas, As with the World War II G.I. Bill, the New G.I. Bill would spark economic growth and provide our returning veterans with educational opportunities, thereby increasing their likelihood of economic and social success; and

Whereas, Despite concerns expressed by President Bush, a strong G.I. Bill would have a positive effect on military recruitment; and

Whereas, Our brave men and women in uniform have been called upon to sacrifice so much on behalf of the United States and its residents everyday; and

Whereas, It is our nation’s moral responsibility to repay its military members’ war time service through various measures that would assist them with their successful integration back into civilian life; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon President Bush to sign the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act. 

JP

LS#

6/17/08