Measure would cover veterans’ college applications under GI bill

Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Fla.) has introduced legislation that would include the cost of veterans’ college applications in benefits covered by the post-9/11 GI bill.

Murphy said his measure would help veterans returning from wars abroad afford higher education before entering the civilian workforce.

{mosads}”Veterans deserve the best training, so they don’t have to fight for a job after fighting for our country,” Murphy said.

The Florida Democrat, who represents a swing district this election cycle, said his measure would help compensate veterans applying to college, graduate school or vocational schools. He noted that application fees can total to more than $100. 

“Let’s make it easier for our returning troops to pursue their educational and career goals by allowing our veterans to use the GI bill to get reimbursed for expenses from applying to school,” Murphy said.

The post-9/11 GI law provides up to three years’ worth of education benefits, such as for a college degree, for veterans who served at least 90 days of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001.

Murphy’s proposal is among a multitude of bills that have been introduced since Veterans Affairs facilities across the country were found to have concealed wait times for medical appointments. Last week, the House passed legislation to provide veterans with support services for job training programs.