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Multiple and prolonged deployments and the patchwork of educational, employment, and housing support programs for veterans have put undue strains on the families of returning troops. Unemployment among new young veterans is three times the national average, and thousands of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, many with families, are already turning up in homeless shelters. Among new veterans, National Guardsmen and Reservists face unique challenges. Their combat tours often mean dramatic pay cuts or shuttered small businesses, while their families are forced to cope without the support typically available on military bases. Military families deserve better.
IAVA Recommends:
Education:
- A new G.I. Bill that would cover the complete cost of tuition and fees, plus a stipend for living expenses, for anyone completing four years of active-duty service or a combat tour and enrolling in an accredited college, technical or distance-learning program.
- The immediate repeal of the $1,200 pay-reduction required to enroll in the G.I. Bill.
- A study of the reasons more veterans are not taking advantage of the G.I. Bill, including an examination of childcare needs and a lack of academic preparation.
- The implementation of a 6% cap on student loan rates for deployed soldiers, and a mandatory 13-month post-deployment grace period from student loan repayment.
Employment:
- A GAO study of unemployment among young veterans to determine the length of and reasons for their unemployment, and their awareness of various VA and Department of Labor programs designed to help them transition into civilian jobs.
- A new employers' tax credit of up to $5,000 for the hiring of an Iraq or Afghanistan veteran, or to offset income support given to employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve who are called to active duty for more than 90 days.
- Increased funding for the Transition Assistance Program.
- Increased funding for the Department of Labor's enforcement of USERRA protections for National Guardsmen and Reservists.
Housing:
- 20,000[i] new housing vouchers set aside for homeless veterans.
- New grants to help veterans escape homelessness. The Homeless Provider Grant and Per Diem program (GPD) should have its authorization increased from $130 million to $200 million annually. The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) should be authorized at the $50 million level annually through 2011, and the Grant Program for Homeless Veterans with Special Needs should be reauthorized at the $5 million level. [ii]
- A requirement that organizations receiving federal funding to combat homelessness screen participants for military service and refer these veterans to appropriate VA services and benefits, and a "fast-track" policy that prioritizes the benefits claims of homeless veterans.
- As a part of the Army Career and Alumni Program, the inclusion of a mandatory assessment of all service members separating from the Armed Forces to determine their risk of homelessness, based on lack of job skills transferable to the civilian sector, disrupted or dissolved family and social support networks, mental health issues, or other recognized risk factors. The aggregated results of these assessments, along with recommendations, should be reported to Congress.
Military Families:
An end to the Widows' and Veterans' Taxes. Veterans' retirement pay should not be offset by their VA disability compensation, and military widows' and widowers' dependency and indemnity should not be offset by the Survivor Benefit Plan.
[i] This data is derived from the Independent Budget.
[ii] This data is derived from the Independent Budget.
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