Introduction

Chairwoman Herseth Sandlin, Ranking Member Boozman and members of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, I am pleased to appear before you today on behalf of the South Dakota State Approving Agency to provide comments on the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Chapter 33) and the value of the South Dakota State Approving Agency.

Remarks

Public Law 110-252

(Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 - Chapter 33)

We are very pleased with the enactment of Public Law 110-252 (Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 - Chapter 33). The South Dakota State Approving Agency and the National Association of State Approving Agencies, of which we are a member, worked hard over the last several years to bring improvements to the educational assistance programs for those who defend the freedoms that we all so thoroughly enjoy. Our goal of attaining a Total Force GI Bill—one that truly provides equal opportunities and benefits for equal service rendered to the nation—will finally be realized on August 1, 2009, for those seeking a college degree. All service members, active duty and selected reserve will be equally recognized for their sacrifices and contributions.

Additionally, our goal of having the “GI Bill” keep pace with the escalating costs of education also will be achieved. Veterans will no longer have to forgo the use of their education benefits because of family responsibilities or work a significant number of hours per week in order to enroll in an education or training program. The new law will provide greater opportunities to maintain a better balance between the pursuit of new or improved career opportunities and meeting family and community obligations.

As I have stated Chapter 33 is definitely a major improvement in the earned benefits for those serving in our current war on terrorism. The “new” GI Bill focuses only on degree programs. In fact there are several types of educational institutions as well as training establishments that are not included in Chapter 33.

First, Chapter 33 veterans cannot use their benefits at non-college degree educational institutions. Some examples of these institutions are: business and trade schools, cosmetology schools, barber schools, public area vocational technical schools, etc. Although not as many in number as colleges/universities, a significant number of veterans do attend non-college degree institutions. They should have the same opportunity to use their Chapter 33 benefits. The training for many outstanding occupations is provided by these institutions. In addition flight training institutions and correspondence schools are not included.

Second, Chapter 33 veterans cannot use their benefits in apprenticeship/on-the-job training programs. On-the-job training programs must be at least 6 months in length and no longer than 2 years in length. Apprenticeship programs can vary from 1 year to 5 years in length. The basic difference between apprenticeship training programs and on-the-job training programs is that apprenticeship programs have theoretical related instruction as a requirement. Some examples of training programs are: carpenter, electrician, plumber, automotive technician, truck driver, police officer, deputy sheriff, welder, etc.

Since the original G.I Bill, an important component for all VA educational programs has been the ability for approval of training programs so that eligible veterans/ dependents can use their earned benefits while actually performing a job and earning wages. “VA educational benefits should not just be for classrooms.” Some individuals learn better from practical hands-on training. Training on the job assists employers in hiring and retaining skilled workers which will provide our country and state with a highly educated and productive work force. South Dakota has had a long tradition of promoting this type of training opportunity for those eligible to receive VA educational benefits. This has enriched our citizens, their communities and our state’s economy.

The basic concept is the payment of benefits while the individual is in a training status. Generally speaking, individuals begin at a trainee (lower) wage and progress in wages as their skills improve. This is also the rationale for benefits decreasing at periodic intervals. It needs to be noted that many of the training program start at a relatively low wage. Since many veterans have family commitments, the beginning of their training program is where they need the greatest benefit.

The last benefit for the trainee (and probably the most important) is a simple fact. The veteran already has the job. Once they finish the training program they continue their employment. It is not a case where the veteran spends a substantial amount of time and money in school and then must obtain employment after graduation. Also, some of the most utilized training programs are in career fields where there is a definite need for increased participation. These include: transportation occupations (heavy and light truck drivers); law enforcement (police officer, deputy sheriff, firefighter); construction trades (electricians, carpenters, plumbers, welders), and automotive technicians. The table below illustrates the growing demand in the above career fields.

Each of the above occupations would hold a bright future for our nations’ veterans. They should have the opportunity to utilize their benefits in a way that will best suit their needs and aptitudes.

There is no doubt that the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Chapter 33) will have a positive effect on education and provide the benefits earned by the brave men and women who have served (and are currently serving) our country. These veterans should not be limited in the manner in which they can use their benefits. It is time to enhance the new GI Bill to include non-college degree programs, flight training, correspondence programs and apprenticeship/on-the-job training programs.

We also would recommend reconsideration to other “GI Bill” improvement measures that were introduced in the 110th Congress, but have not been fully acted upon. Some great features were included in these bills and should receive the attention of the Congress before the end of the session. Chairwoman Herseth Sandlin’s bill, HR 5684, for example, addresses in addition to the costs of education, the importance of lifelong learning in the 21st century as one of the major forces to maintaining a skilled and viable work force in our global economy. It also addresses GI Bill issues associated with Student Financial Aid under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended and provides additional financial support to the educational institutions which provide programs and services to our veterans.

The new Chapter 33 is very comprehensive, but it also is complex. It will require a high level of cooperation and collaboration between all partners and stakeholders to achieve maximum success. The Congressional Veterans Affairs Committees, the federal Department of Veterans Affairs, State Approving Agencies, educational organizations and educational institutions will need to work closely with each other in order to ensure that all service members and veterans know of the opportunities available to them and that the operations of the new program are carried out in an effective and efficient manner with minimal disruption. Encouragement from the Congress in this regard could prove to be invaluable. There is an enormous amount of expertise outside the federal government that can be used to ensure the success of the program. The State Approving Agencies across this country stand ready to assist in any way possible; many of my associates have decades of experience with veterans educational programs and truly are an asset the Department of Veterans Affairs should not overlook.

Value of the South Dakota State Approving Agency

A key aspect of our agency’s mission is customer service; this is accomplished through outreach, using the Internet, promotional mailings, and networking with other agencies, organizations, and individuals. South Dakota has been a national leader in the outreach to the many troops activated, deployed, and returned from service overseas or within the states in recent times. Our agency continues to partner with other agencies in developing new and innovative ways to create and distribute information concerning programs and services that are available to our returning service personnel. Examples of these efforts follow:

1. Our agency took the lead in the creation of our state’s Welcome Home brochure. To date over 15,000 copies have been distributed to our returning troops since 2004. This is a comprehensive guide to programs and services available to our state’s veterans and their families.

2. After the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law, within 30 days our agency had created a fact sheet on the changes relative to Chapter 1606/1607. We then distributed this information electronically to the South Dakota Veterans Service Network, provided a mailing to our County/Tribal Veterans Service Officers and worked with the South Dakota National Guard to distribute this information to active guard members.

3. After the Post 9/11 GI Bill - Chapter 33 was signed into law, our agency printed 1000 fact sheets from the electronic copy provided by the Veterans Administration. We then provided an electronic copy to our South Dakota Veterans Service Network and the South Dakota School Certifying Officials, a mailing to County/Tribal Veterans Service Officers and then had these fact sheets distributed at five outreach meetings. This was all completed within 18 days of the bill being signed.

Our agency and our counterparts across the nation are able to respond quickly to the demands and needs of our customers, the veterans. We are the “Front Line Responders” to the GI Bill and have been for over sixty years. Our agency continues to be involved nationally, statewide, and locally to advance and promote the cause, and advocate for individuals who wish to utilize their GI Bill benefits.

Our staff continues to provide technical and liaison assistance to schools, training establishments and veterans, guardsmen/reservists and dependents/survivors. Last fiscal year there were over 1900 of these actions taken; additionally, over 200 facilities were visited and over 1100 approval actions were completed. Our agency is the face of veterans’ educational programs in South Dakota.

Our agency has developed a new database system. This new database system was designed with organization in mind, for ease of data entry and information retrieval and creating reports. This new system has combined five databases into one data system. This will improve productivity, data retrieval and provide a better reporting system.

The statement Mr. Summerside made in his April 2007 testimony bears repeating today, “Our true value rests in the heart of each of the dedicated staff whose sole purpose is the approval of quality programs of education for those eligible for VA educational benefits. Our agencies’ worth is measured by this dedicated devotion to excellence, and our nation’s Veterans deserve no less.”

The true solution to readjusting from the war zone to home is quality medical care and the availability of comprehensive counseling services for those that need someone to listen and understand their pain. After the veterans’ medical needs are met the bridge to their future would be the realization of their educational or vocational dreams. Schools and job training will bring our young men and women all the way back. These brave Americans deserve the very best programs and services this country can provide.

Closing

In closing, Madam Chairwoman, I would like to thank you again for the opportunity to discuss our views on the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Chapter 33) and the value of the South Dakota State Approving Agency. I very much appreciate your efforts to make improvements to the educational assistance programs for those who defend the freedoms that we so often take for granted. From a grateful nation, they deserve no less. I would be happy to respond to any questions that you might have.