Meek Applauds Florida Higher Education Partnerships with VA to Increase Financial Aid for Veterans

Congressman Kendrick B. Meek today applauded a series of Yellow Ribbon Program agreements between sixty-two colleges and universities across Florida and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve financial aid for veterans participating in the Post-9/11 GI Bill Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, funds tuition expenses for military veterans that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. Under the terms of the provision, higher education institutions may contribute up to 50 percent of those expenses and receive matching funding from the VA for eligible students.

"The Post-9/11 GI Bill stands as one of the greatest achievements of the 110th Congress. The bill goes a long way towards ensuring that post-9/11 veterans have the educational benefits they need to make the most of their lives and provide for their families after returning home," Meek said. "Putting this legislation into action by bringing on board over sixty colleges and universities across Florida is a major step forward for our state's veterans and their families."

The Yellow Ribbon Program is reserved for Veterans eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100 percent benefit level. This includes those who served at least 36 months on active duty or at least 30 continuous days and were discharged due to a service-related injury.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by the 110th Congress last year, is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944.

A list of Florida schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program can be found here: http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/YRP/states/fl.htm