Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden and Congressman Peter Defazio visited the University of Oregon Thursday for a roundtable discussion of a proposed new G.I. Bill. KLCC’s Rachael McDonald reports.

Wyden and Defazio met with about two dozen veterans and took questions about Bill S-22. They describe it as a G.I. bill for the 21st century.

It expands existing education benefits to cover members of the National Guard and Reserves as well as those in active duty military.

Jack Nelson was in the Navy from 2002 to 2006. He’s now going to school on the existing G.I. Bill. But, he’s running out of money.

He says his benefits don’t cover books, rent or food.

Jack Nelson: “I’ve had to work 2 jobs the whole time I’ve been receiving these benefits so I’m glad that something is finally being done to up the ante.”

Wyden says there were 75 votes in favor of the bill in the Senate last week.

Ron Wyden: “So if the president says he’s going to veto it he’s going to be up a bipartisan juggernaut.”

The bill would be a boon to Oregonians if it passes. Wyden says it includes an extension of county payments.