Issue Position: Caring For Our Veterans

Issue Position

"Vermonters have a long and proud tradition of military service, and our state has a history of contributing far in excess of its size to the defense of our nation. When a war is over and our brave veterans return home, it is our most solemn obligation to keep our promise and ensure they have the services and resources they require to succeed. I have long believed that the cost of the war must include the cost of caring for the warrior. That is why I have promoted policies that support veterans by modernizing and streamlining health care systems within the Veterans Administration, improving and expanding educational and workforce training programs for veterans, and supporting veteran-owned businesses."

In June 2009, U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs Assistant Secretary Tammy Duckworth joined Rep. Welch in Rutland to announce the start of the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Passed in June 2008, the new GI Bill allows eligible veterans who served at least 90 days active duty since Sept. 11, 2001, to receive an in-state, undergraduate education at a public institution at no cost.

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