[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 18, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A BILL DESIGNED TO HELP

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                            HON. JACK QUINN

                              of New York

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 18, 1997

  Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing H.R. 1877, a bill to 
improve the opportunities for veterans to obtain part-time employment 
while using their VA education benefits.
  The cost of a college education continues to grow faster than the 
general rate of inflation. This means that in times of tight Federal 
budgets, it is difficult for us to provide the increases necessary for 
VA education benefits to keep pace with inflation. Clearly, a veteran, 
especially a married veteran, cannot go to school without an additional 
source of income. For most, that means a part-time job. But, for many 
veteran students, part-time jobs are difficult to find or do not fit 
well with class schedules. For example, veterans attending school at a 
large university located in small towns find part-time jobs 
nonexistent.
  Under current law, work study positions are limited to colleges, the 
Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Labor, and the 
Department of Defense. These positions involve veteran-related work and 
are compensated at the minimum wage level.
  H.R. 1877 will expand the types of organizations which may apply for 
approval of work study positions. Federal agencies, schools, and 
community service organizations will be able to avail themselves of a 
dedicated, drug-free and proven work force at no cost through this 
bill. For example, a community-based nonprofit whose mission is to 
provide services to homeless veterans would be eligible to apply for 
positions to be filled by work study participants. As a result, veteran 
students will find it easier to get part-time jobs and homeless 
veterans will see an improvement in the quality of their lives.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill provides opportunities for people who want to 
work and improves services to veterans at almost no additional cost to 
the Government. This is the type of program that rewards energetic 
young veterans who need assistance in finishing their education and is 
good for America. I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 1877.

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