Mitakides Applauds Passage of “Post-9/11 GI Bill”
Incumbent votes against veterans, in line with dismal voting record
Dayton, Ohio, May 15, 2008 – As the nation prepares to celebrate Memorial Day on May 26th, Congress passed a bill that will update education benefits for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jane Mitakides, the Democratic candidate in Ohio’s third congressional district, strongly supports the legislation, while Rep. Mike Turner, her opponent, once again voted to deny much needed benefits to veterans.
“It’s past time that Congress delivers a 21st century GI Bill that ensures our returning veterans the benefits they deserve. Unfortunately, Mike Turner and President Bush want to play politics with a real modernization of the GI bill. Our commitment to our veterans’ does not end when they return from war.”
The new GI Bill calls for an investment of $52 billion over 10 years, or what is spent during just six months in Iraq. The bill will help offset the cost of college for the more than 1.5 million veterans that have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is supported by many veterans’ groups, including the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the American Legion, and AMVETS, among others.
Rep. Turner continues to vote against veterans’ interests, as reflected by his abysmal 29% and 34% lifetime scores from the Disabled American Veterans and Retired Enlisted Association, respectively. He also received a C grade from the IAVA in 2006.
“I cannot imagine anyone in Congress voting against such crucial legislation, especially one from a district that is home to the Dayton VA Medical Center and Dayton National Cemetery and sits in the shadow of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Whatever the cost of the bill, it is a small price to pay in exchange for the sacrifices made by our brave men and women.”
