SACRAMENTO – The state of California and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs have reached a joint solution concerning the implementation of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill in California.

Prior to this joint solution, the implementation of this measure prevented California veterans planning to attend private colleges and universities from receiving their full education benefits.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration worked collaboratively with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the University of California to resolve the situation.

The joint agreement reached ensures eligible California veterans have access to the education benefits earned through their service to our county.

 

“Through the combined efforts of my Administration and the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs, California’s veterans can now access the full education benefits they have so rightfully earned through their great service to our nation,” said Gov. Schwarzenegger. “I want to personally thank U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki for his commitment to resolving this matter and working with us to ensure California’s veterans can get the education benefits they deserve.”

In April, the Schwarzenegger administration raised the Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition/fee issue with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The practice of charging “fees” for attending California’s public colleges and universities rather than charging “tuition” created a situation where veterans attending private institutions of higher learning could not receive the full education benefits provided by the new Post-9/11 GI Bill.