Representative Giffords to announce introduction of GI Bill legislation

TUCSON - U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords will be at the University of Arizona Thursday afternoon to announce the introduction of legislation aimed at improving the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Joining the Arizona lawmaker at the 2:30 p.m. announcement will be UA President Robert Shelton and Matt Randle, the student director of the university's VETS Office.

Giffords' legislation would fix three problems in the Post 9/11-GI Bill that limit access to benefits earned by service members and their families.

The Post-9/11-GI Bill was passed by Congress in 2007 and signed into law by President Bush in 2008. Since it went into effect last Aug. 1, it has enabled more than 800 veterans to advance their education at the University of Arizona.

The bill pays for tuition and fees at a public institution, plus $1,000 for books and supplies and a housing allowance. The majority of veterans receiving the benefits served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Giffords, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, decided to introduce her legislation after hearing from veterans about ways to improve the bill.

WHAT: U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords announces legislation improving the Post 9/11 GI Bill
WHEN: 2:30-3 p.m., Thursday, November 12
WHERE: VETS Office, Room 404-O, 4th floor of the Student Union, University of Arizona