Proposal Would Allow GI Bill Funds to Go to Business Startup Costs

July 23, 2021

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is trying again to pass legislation allowing GI Bill benefits to be applied to business startup costs instead of schooling.

“Higher education is essential for many [veterans], but some have a different calling,” one of the sponsors, Rep. Ben Cline (R-Va.), said, according to Military Times. “It’s common sense to offer veterans a choice in accessing resources, training, and support to pursue the American dream to start a small business, create jobs and generate growth in our economy.”

The Veterans Entrepreneurship Act would launch a three-year pilot project.

“When our service members transition into civilian life, they bring considerable skills and experiences with them,” co-sponsor Rep. Lou Correa (D-Calif.) said. “Veterans know how to manage risk on the battlefield. And that’s what a successful entrepreneur does — manage risk.”

There has been resistance to such efforts in the past, with some saying it overlaps with existing programs to help veterans start their own businesses.

Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alyssa M. Akers

July 23, 2021

Recent News

Post-Leadership, McConnell Plans to Push for More Defense Funding

Post-Leadership, McConnell Plans to Push for More Defense Funding

When Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell steps down from his Senate leadership role after the November elections, he’ll have at least two more years in the Senate. Now he’s signaled one of his priorities as a rank-and-file Senator is to increase defense funding,...

In Our Communities

In Our Communities

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed a bill this week to make it easier for military spouses to start work with a license from another state, according to a press release. “Our veterans and military families have dedicated their lives and undergo great sacrifice in...

Snap of the Week

Snap of the Week

Airmen and Family Readiness at the 121st Air Refueling Wing invited airmen to bring their children to work at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, April 25. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Ivy Thomas

Ukraine Aid on the Way, Biden and Gen. Brown Say

Ukraine Aid on the Way, Biden and Gen. Brown Say

President Joe Biden signed a $95 billion package Wednesday morning that provides aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. After a long delay, the House passed the package Saturday, and the Senate followed Tuesday. “It’s a good day for America, it’s a good day for Europe,...

PAST STORIES