New education benefit applies to veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

July 20, 2009

Washington, D.C.— Nevada Senator Harry Reid today released a public service announcement to encourage all Nevada veterans to take advantage of the 21st Century GI Bill of Rights and sign up for college at Nevada’s public universities.  Under Reid’s leadership, the long overdue modernized GI bill expands education benefits for the veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The new GI Bill of Rights goes into effect on August 1 and eligible veterans will receive the maximum benefit which includes the cost of tuition and fees for four years at Nevada’s colleges and universities.

The new GI Bill will:

• Provide the maximum benefit of the cost of tuition and fees for four years at University of Nevada and UNLV.
• Give veterans up to 15 years after they leave active duty to use their education benefits;
• Increase the housing allowance for veterans who are studying;
• Provide an annual stipend of $1,000 for books and supplies;
• Create a one-time rural benefit payment for eligible individuals;
• Allow enrolled service members to transfer unused educational benefits to their spouses or children.
  

“This is unquestionably the right thing to do for our troops and the families that support them,” said Reid. “I am very pleased that this support has been expanded for those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. I encourage all of Nevada’s veterans to take advantage of this terrific program.”