Begich Applauds Senate Passage of G.I. Bill

Domestic spending bill includes college aid for returning veterans

Mayor and U.S. Senate candidate Mark Begich today praised the U.S. Senate for supporting funding of educational benefits for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan . Senators passed a domestic spending package that included funding for an updated G.I. Bill.

Begich has been a staunch supporter of the G.I. Bill sponsored by Sen. Jim Webb and 57 other senators that extends educational benefits for all service members, including activated National Guard and Reservists, who serve at least three months of active duty since 9/11.

"There can be no compromise when it comes to taking care of our veterans," Begich said. "I am heartened that the Senate recognized honoring our troops is not a partisan issue, and took action to ensure that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans will be given the benefits they deserve."

There are currently an estimated 70,000 veterans living in Alaska and a combined 1,600 veterans enrolled at the University of Alaska Anchorage and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

The legislation now goes to the House for approval.

From a Mark Begich press release

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Republican Lyda Green refuses to support Alaska's troops.

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