Decrying a system in which veterans come home from war unable to support themselves, state officials met yesterday to promote three new bills that would potentially make college more affordable for thousands of GIs struggling to make ends meet.
Rep. Anthony Verga (D-Gloucester) said the proposals, which aim to establish a new GI Bill and provide tuition and fee waivers as well as scholarships for veterans, would lead to more affordable education and increase job opportunities.
“It is not a handout, but a hand up,” said Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray at the State House meeting. “[These] men put their lives on hold to serve our country.”
Fees for Massachusetts state schools — which include the price of books, parking, laptops and other living expenses — have risen by almost half in recent years, said Murray, who added the high costs are deterrents for the state’s 476,000 veterans to attend college.
As evidenced by homeless shelters and city streets full of veterans, former troops often have a difficult time securing jobs once they return home from the battlefield, Murray said, adding an education would drastically improve the chances they could a secure a steady job.
Other officials said it was due time to assist veterans who halted their normal lives to support their country.
“They made a sacrifice,” said Tom Kelley, Secretary of Veterans Services. “The least we should be able to do is match that.”
Though the hearing dealt specifically with education, Kelley said supporting veterans in that institution would lead to increased job opportunities, enabling them to obtain better healthcare and housing.
Some speakers expressed concern regarding the veterans’ ability to adapt to college life after returning home.
Patricia Plummer, chancellor and CEO of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, said she was not sure how many veterans would take advantage of the financial opportunities.
“It is difficult to project how many will use this program,” Plummer said. “There are more than 150,000 veterans unemployed.”
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