By Nick Eaton

On January 9, 2008 Eliot Spitzer announced his support of a bill that would extend full tuition benefits to New York veterans at his State of the State address. Citing the inadequacies of the current tuition benefit programs, Spitzer outlined a plan to provide substantial SUNY and CUNY aid for returning veterans.

Although Spitzer resigned, newly appointed Governor David Paterson continued to pursue the bill, backing it with $2 million. Beginning on July 1, New York State veterans of the wars in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan will be entitled to full tuition benefits to any SUNY or CUNY school.

The current Veterans’ Tuition Award provides only $2,000 for full-time students and $1,000 for part time. Governor Spitzer explained that such awards were inadequate considering that “SUNY’s 2007-08 resident undergraduate annual tuition rate is $4,350; CUNY’s is $4,000.” A progressive program, such as the one which has been included for the 2008-09 New York State budget, ensures appropriate coverage for all returning New York veterans.

The Veteran’s Affairs GI Bill has also come under scrutiny in light of recent changes. Previously, the GI Bill was a substantial and comprehensive care-package for deserving vets. The bill covered tuition, living costs and housing for all vets. In 1973, however, then president Reagan passed the Montgomery GI Bill, which was optional, flat and required a buy-in. Those who sign up must have their military pay reduced in order to receive benefits later. In essence, what was once a benefit provided by the government became a self-sustaining (and wholly inadequate) retirement program. Hopefully, New York State’s commitment to reimbursing veterans for their service will stand as a precedent for the future.

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