U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich has introduced the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act to increase veterans’ yearly books and supplies stipend to keep up with inflation.

“Veterans answered the call to serve our country and defend our freedoms, and they deserve our full support after their military service.

“Right now, hundreds of thousands of veterans rely on the Post-9/11 GI Bill program to pay for higher education after their service. But over half a million veterans on the GI Bill are receiving less educational assistance than their fellow veterans did nearly 20 years ago, as rising inflation cheapens their hard-earned benefits. Despite rising costs, Congress has not raised the stipends for books and supplies since 2008.

“That’s why I’m introducing the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act. This bipartisan legislation would increase veterans’ yearly books and supplies stipend to $1,500 to keep up with inflation. This bill also increases the stipend for veterans enrolled in trades and apprenticeship programs. This would help ensure veterans receive the education they deserve.

“I will always support our veterans — while working to and connect more New Mexicans to the opportunities and careers they can build their families around.”