GI bill helps veterans pay for college

Wausau - The federal government's post 9/11 GI bill went into effect last August.

It helps eligible veterans get a college education, which can be tough.

Lacy Taylor knows that.

She says, "I'm a single mom and I live alone with my daughter and to have a job and to go school full time, I mean grants and loans cover a good amount but really you can't survive on just that."

Fortunately, Lacy qualifies for post 9/11 GI bill benefits. Since she's served over 36 months, they include tuition, money for books and even a monthly housing allowance.

But Marathon County's Veterans' service officer says the federal program is impacting the state-run one.

Scott Berger says, "Even though they're using the federal dollars and the federal benefit, right now the state is reducing their eligibility credit for credit even though they're not using the state benefit. Many veterans, myself included, think that's unfair."

That means the 2 years paid tuition typically guaranteed by the state may not be there once a Veteran like Lacy graduates. But some say those 2 years could be critical.

Berger says, "So that maybe later in life if they lost a job or had to train, they would still have some benefits eligible for them. Lacy has come across some glitches in the system, but overall she says the post 9/11 GI benefits have helped immensely.

"It gives you more of an opportunity and really helps out financially so you don't have to worry so much about the job aspect and going to school and if you happen to have a family along the military way."

A Wisconsin lawmaker recognized the problems that might occur if those 2 years of paid tuition are lost. So he wrote a bill, currently in the assembly, that would put a stop to it.

For more information contact your local veterans service officer or visit www.va.gov