This week, the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee held a hearing to consider new legislation affecting veterans’ benefits and health care, including Senators Inhofe (R-OK) and Lankford’s (R-OK) legislation S. 3021, a bill to authorize the use of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance to pursue independent study programs at certain educational institutions that are not institutions of higher learning.
The bill would correct an issue that prevents returning veterans from using their education benefits at area career and technical education centers – public, non-profit, non-degree granting institutions that award certificates demonstrating technical competency. ACTE worked closely with these offices in the development of this legislation, and Executive Director LeAnn Wilson submitted testimony to the committee encouraging action on this important legislation that would allow veterans greater access to postsecondary CTE offered at area CTE centers nationwide.
During his testimony at the hearing, Inhofe quoted Oklahoma’s CareerTech State Director Marcie Mack as stating that, “Oklahoma’s CareerTech system is committed to serving U.S. military veterans, however, with current federal policy there are obstacles for veterans to be able to participate.” He went on to say that, “It is my hope that the committee will quickly consider this legislation. I deeply appreciate the attention the committee has given to my bill, and I look forward to continuing my work to ensure that this problem is addressed.”
The archived webcast of the hearing can be accessed here. ACTE will continue to advocate for access to high-quality CTE for all veterans!
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