Chance of Delay for New GI Bill

WASHINGTON -- Veterans advocates say they are concerned that the U.S. government won't be able to meet the deadline for implementing the new GI Bill.

The Veterans Administration has until next August to put the measure in place. However, the Washington Post said Tuesday that some advocates, and even the Veterans Administration, have their doubts.

The problem, the newspaper said, is the VA's decision to implement the Post 9/11 GI Bill itself rather than hiring an outside contractor. The agency changed its plans amid protests from veterans groups and public employee unions about placing such a large program in the hands of a private company.

The VA has vowed to launch the measure on time, but has publicly admitted it will be a difficult mission.

The current GI Bill has not kept pace with rising education costs.

Even if the new bill were implemented, it would not be much help to veterans who enlisted and served their tours in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Post said. The new veterans benefits are not retroactive.

Use your GI Bill before time runs out!