Courtney Applauds VA Decision Affirming that CT Veterans Benefits Will Not be Negatively Affected by New GI Bill Provisions

Press Release

Congressman Joe Courtney today applauded a decision by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that said Connecticut veterans attending public colleges will not be negatively affected by new GI Bill provisions scheduled to go into effect on August 1.

Under state law, the Connecticut State Tuition waiver is not available to a veteran until he or she has exhausted the Federal benefit. In a May 10, 2011, letter to the VA (available here), the Connecticut Department of Higher Education expressed concern that new language in the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvement Act of 2010 appeared to require the Connecticut State Tuition Waiver to be applied towards tuition as first payer on a veteran's enrollment certification, which would have placed a burden on the State and affected veterans' benefits.

A letter from the VA today, however, dispelled that concern, and affirmed that Connecticut veterans will see no negative change in their benefit. The VA clarification (available here) came in response to a May 13 letter to Sec. Eric Shinseki (available here) urging an expedited response to the state, which was spearheaded by Congressman Courtney and co-signed by the other members of the State's Congressional delegation.

"The decision by the VA confirms that Connecticut veterans will continue to receive their full federal GI Bill benefits without additional burden on the state," said Congressman Courtney. "This is welcome news for the men and women who served bravely in our armed forces, and a relief to the State of Connecticut. I appreciate Sec. Shinseki's prompt response to this very real concern."

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