TRENTON – A joint legislative resolution sponsored by Senator James Beach that would designate the second full week in November of each year as “Veterans’ Education Awareness Week” was released from the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
The measure calls attention to the federal “Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008” providing college educational assistance for the 2.6 million veterans who served in the armed forces after September 11, 2001. Also known as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the program provides financial support for college education to honorably discharged individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.
Studies have shown that employees with at least an associate’s degree on average earn more compared to those with only a high school diploma.
“Pursuing a college degree could mean a better wage for those returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Unfortunately, less than half of those veterans are fully aware of the educational opportunities that are available to them in the Post-9/11 GI Bill,” said Beach, Chair of the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “This will bring attention to the issue, and hopefully will better ensure that veterans are informed about the education benefits that are accessible to them.”
New Jersey veterans can visit the Operation College Promise website at www.operationpromiseforservicemembers.com for important information and resources to help them maximize their education opportunities.
The Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee passed the resolution by a vote of 5-0. The bill heads to the Senate floor for a vote.
