Akaka Unveils Plan for Big Changes to GI Bill

Certain to please active-duty members, under the Post- 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, active-duty users of the new GI Bill would be eligible for a $1,000-a-year book allowance, which is currently paid to veterans but denied to active-duty Servicemembers and their spouses using transferred benefits. The measure was introduced by Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, one of the few lawmakers who received his college degree using veterans benefits. Active-duty Servicemembers and their spouses do not receive book allowances or housing stipends under the current benefits program. Akaka’s proposal would make the $1,000 book allowance available by de-linking the book and housing payments. For further information, please go to: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/05/military_gibill_akaka_052810w/