Fellow Veterans,
As many of you have undoubtedly heard, H.R. 1383 has moved on to President Obama's desk. Baring a presidential veto, thousands of veterans and their families nationwide have averted hardships.
Please be mindful that this amendment applies solely to the tuition and fees received. No other benefits provided by the Post 9-11 G.I. Bill (E.g. 'break pay', etc.) have been 'grandfathered'.
Furthermore, veteran-students attending state schools, paying out-of-state tuition, will still be held responsible for the funds above and beyond the $17,500 cap effective 1 Aug 2011. I am working diligently with veterans from Florida to provide an example of state legislation that will effectively make the process of residency immediate to all those adversely affected.
Finally, the original message passed regarding inclusion is clarified further by the below account found on the public record. All veteran-students accepted into private institutions prior to the 4th of January 2011 will be included in H.R. 1383:
"Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume... Mr. Speaker, it has come to our attention that some veterans are concerned about the January 4 eligibility date. We have talked with VA. They have assured us that any veteran who has applied and was accepted to a school on or before the 4th of January of 2011 will be covered under this particular bill we are considering on the floor today. Veterans who applied or were accepted after that date will be grandfathered under H.R. 1383."
Sincerely,
Richard B. Baldassari
Secretary, U.S. Military Veterans of Columbia University
Chairmen, Veterans for Higher Education
Columbia University
