$1.3 billion price tag could halt GI Bill improvements

Budget

$1.3 billion price tag could halt GI Bill improvements

The Military Times reports that the price tag of the GI Bill could halt improvements to the bill.

Federal News Network Staff

October 8, 2010 3:54 pm

< a min read

Improvements to the post-Sept. 11 GI Bill could be halted because of a $1.3 billion price tag.

The bill would pay book allowances to active duty members, add non-degree vocation training as a covered benefit and expanding eligibility for National Guard and reserve members.

The Military Times reports that under congressional budget rules, the expense would have to be offset by cuts in other entitlement programs or an increase in revenue.

Proponents say the bill could be cost-neutral with a few tweaks. But lawmakers are weary. With the November mid-terms elections coming up, federal cost-cutting has become a key issue.

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