Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon veterans can look forward to better access to a college education, now that the President has signed a new GI Bill into law.

It's part of the funding bill that includes $162 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Senator Ron Wyden co-sponsored the bill, and worked behind the scenes to get some provisions. For example, Oregon National Guard members will now qualify for expanded education funding, if they've served since 9-11.

Jim Willis is head of Oregon's Department of Veterans Affairs. He thinks this bill will make a big difference in veterans lives.

Jim Willis: "All you have to do is look back to the GI Bill immediately following World War II, and the impact it had on the country following the education of that entire generation."

Fewer people are serving overseas, Willis says, compared with the 1940s, but he says the potential for improving veterans' lives is substantial.

The bill increases the amount of money available per veteran.    Many had complained for years that benefits had not kept pace with the cost of a college education. 

Willis says education is one of the top three issues veterans mention when they call his department for help, alongside employment and housing.