Bill to Ensure Parity for Distance Learners

Filner Introduces Bill to Ensure Parity for Veterans Taking On-Line Courses

Washington, D.C. - House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Bob Filner, (D-CA) introduced a bill to address the housing needs of veterans pursuing higher education opportunities. H.R. 950 would allow veterans taking distance learning courses to receive a housing stipend, under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill was signed into law on June 30, 2008, and is the greatest overhaul of the G.I. Bill in more than twenty years. The bill authorized an expansion in education benefits for veterans and provides tuition to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars based on the cost of the most expensive four year public university in the state. The new law, which is set to go into effect on August 1, 2009, offers a housing allowance to eligible veterans. Under current law, the housing allowance is payable to veterans who are not on active duty, who are attending school at least half-time, and who are enrolled in at least one course at an on-site facility. The amount of the housing stipend is determined by the location of the educational institution.

H.R. 950 waives the requirement that a student must take at least one class on-site in order to receive the housing stipend. The housing stipend would continue to be determined by the zip code of the school.

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"It doesn't make sense to penalize a hard working student who is taking classes just because the courses they are taking are administered on-line," said Chairman Filner. "These veterans fought for our country, came back home, enrolled in school, and are working to get a college degree. There should not be a distinction between those who attend a brick and mortar classroom versus those who study at home and take their tests on a computer. Supporters of this bill are standing up for disabled veterans, veteran families, rural veterans, and single-parent households who are getting an education and working to better their life."

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Related Post: New Bill Could Improve the Post 9/11 GI Bill