WASHINGTON – Strengthening the GI Bill, institutional accountability and protecting military-connected families from unethical and illegal practices were among the top concerns that various veteran and military-service groups want to see addressed in a reauthorized Higher Education Act.
At a brief press conference Thursday at the Longworth House Office Building, representatives of several advocacy groups and nonprofits spoke about common concerns among their constituents. The show of unity included organizations such as the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Veterans Education Success, Student Veterans of America, the American Legion, the National Military Family Association and organizations representing vets from the Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Ashlynne Haycock, deputy director of policy for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, said her organization, which represents 85,000 people, shares the same goals as the other groups.
“We want to make sure our students are not just getting an education, but a quality education,” Haycock said. “And make sure that bad actors are penalized for preying on military-connected students.”
In addition, closing loopholes in the required 90-10 ratio of federal funds to other payment sources received by institutions also was cited as a major concern. Some schools take advantage of loopholes to garner a larger proportion of federal funds than regulations allow them to have.
That was one of two main issues highlighted by Jennifer Davis, government relations deputy director for the nonprofit National Military Family Association.
The hoped-for change isn’t selfish on the part of organizations that advocate for veterans and military service personnel, Davis told Diverse.
