Senator Charles Schumer recently introduced a new piece of legislation that is designed to continue funding for the post-9/11 G.I. Bill.  Funding for this veterans education benefit was scheduled for a drastic cut this coming August.

The new law, which Senator Schumer created specifically to aid former servicemembers residing in Upstate New York, will allow them to keep their veterans benefits that help pay for college tuition.  The law that was passed in 2010 limiting a veteran’s funding to $17,500 will be made null and void if Schumer’s newly introduced legislation passes.

Schumer was reported to have said, “With the Post-9/11 GI Bill, we made great strides towards helping all veterans who want to get a college education get one.” Schumer went on to say, “But recent changes to the law, while enhancing benefits for many veterans, unfortunately cut benefits for others including some New Yorkers. We should not turn our backs on the brave men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and instead should be doing everything we can to ensure they have the educational opportunities they deserve.”

The new law breathes new life for the educations of former servicemembers in areas of New York affected by the old law which restricts funding.  Those who enroll as students before the new law goes into effect will also be protected by this legislation.  As a result, those currently studying toward a degree will be entitled to larger sums of money to pay the rising cost of tuitions.