On Monday at an event in Seminole, U.S. Rep. David Jolly, R-Fla., a possible U.S. Senate candidate in 2016, showcased his proposal to help veterans with their housing needs who are pursing higher education opportunities.
Jollys Student Veterans Housing Support Act," which he introduced last week and which is now in the Veterans Affairs Committee, reforms monthly housing stipends for veterans in school, including extending them to cover summer periods, moving the date up for distribution for full-time students and covering the increasing number of veterans taking online classes.
The Florida Republican explained why his bill was needed on Monday.
Currently, veteran students face lapses in their educational housing allowances when school is out and temporary employment to make up the difference is hard to come by on such an inconsistent basis, Jolly said. Veterans, particularly our combat veterans returning from war, face enough obstacles as they transition back into civilian life. For those trying to earn their degree, unstable housing allowances make it even harder.
In simple terms, this bill gives veterans the financial support they need to remain in school by extending their monthly housing stipend to cover semester breaks, including the summer months and the time immediately before and after a semester, Jolly added. Its a simple move that ensures veterans receive the support they deserve in return for all they have sacrificed.
U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, has signed on as co-sponsor.
As a former college educator, I know firsthand the positive impact post-secondary education and job training can have for our veterans, Loebsack said on Monday. I am proud to join with Congressman Jolly to introduce this bill that will make improvements to the monthly housing stipend under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. By allowing our veterans to use their monthly stipend in a way that is a better fit for their individual schedules, it will help vets get the education they earned after serving our nation.
Jollys proposal has won the support of some leaders in higher education, including St. Petersburg College President Bill Law, University of South Florida System President Judy Genshaft and Sally Mason, the president of the University of Iowa.
This legislation would remove roadblocks for the more than 2,100 veterans, active military members and military dependents we proudly serve at St. Petersburg College, which has consistently been rated as one of the top colleges for veterans, Law said. Earning a degree is a life-changing event, and I commend Congressman Jolly for his efforts to assist our veterans in their educational pursuits.
I would like to thank Congressman Jolly for sponsoring this important piece of legislation, Genshaft said. At the University of South Florida, were proud of our standing as one of the most veteran-friendly universities in the country and being home to one of the nations largest student veteran populations. Military veterans deserve our support and this bill will help provide USFs 1,500 student veterans with additional opportunities to find educational success.
Jolly has opened the door to running for the U.S. Senate in 2016 as U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is running for president and has said he will not run for a second term.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
