Washington, D.C. - Congressmen Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and David Jolly (FL-13) introduced the Student Veterans Housing Support Act, legislation designed to improve housing opportunities for veterans pursuing education after serving their country. The bipartisan measure, H.R. 2465, makes improvements to the monthly housing stipend payable under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"As a former college educator, I know firsthand the positive impact post-secondary education and job training can have for our veterans. I am proud to join with Congressman Jolly to introduce this bill that will make improvements to the monthly housing stipend under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. By allowing our veterans to use their monthly stipend in a way that is a better fit for their individual schedules, it will help vets get the education they earned after serving our nation," Loebsack said.

"Currently, veteran students face lapses in their educational housing allowances when school is out and temporary employment to make up the difference is hard to come by on such an inconsistent basis. Veterans, particularly our combat veterans returning from war, face enough obstacles as they transition back into civilian life. For those trying to earn their degree, unstable housing allowances make it even harder," Jolly said. "In simple terms, this bill gives veterans the financial support they need to remain in school by extending their monthly housing stipend to cover semester breaks, including the summer months and the time immediately before and after a semester. It's a simple move that ensures veterans receive the support they deserve in return for all they have sacrificed."

The introduction of the Student Veterans Housing Support Act was quickly applauded by those in higher education.

"I applaud Representative Loebsack for introducing legislation that makes it easier for veterans to earn a degree. While their service to our nation can never be repaid, this proposal is a step in the right direction," said University of Iowa President Sally Mason. "The UI has consistently been recognized as one of the best schools in the nation for veterans and this change will make a UI degree even more attainable."

"This legislation would remove roadblocks for the more than 2,100 veterans, active military members and military dependents we proudly serve at St. Petersburg College, which has consistently been rated as one of the top colleges for veterans," said St. Petersburg College President Bill Law. "Earning a degree is life-changing event, and I commend Congressman Jolly for his efforts to assist our veterans in their educational pursuits."

"I would like to thank Congressman Jolly for sponsoring this important piece of legislation," added University of South Florida System President, Dr. Judy Genshaft.  "At the University of South Florida, we're proud of our standing as one of the most veteran-friendly universities in the country and being home to one of the nation's largest student veteran populations.  Military veterans deserve our support and this bill will help provide USF's 1,500 student veterans with additional opportunities to find educational success."

Specifically, the Student Veterans Housing Support Act would:

·         Rein­state liv­ing expense stipends dur­ing school breaks and extend the interval pay to include summer periods;

·         Provide a housing allowance for the month preceding the start of an educational program for veterans enrolled more than half-time; and

·         Provide full monthly housing allowance for veterans only enrolled in online classes.

"I have always fought to ensure the men and women serving our nation have had the support, equipment and training they need to safely carry out their mission. As a military parent and former member of the House Armed Services Committee, I take great pride in serving those who have served our nation. The bill that passed today addresses many of Iowa's priorities, including taking important steps to strengthen the Rock Island Arsenal by driving more workload to their facilities.

"At the same time, I have great concerns about how this bill came together. For example, it is paid for using an accounting gimmick, amounting to tens of billions of dollars, while undermining investments in education and infrastructure. Since the idea was first introduced, I have been opposed to the across the board cuts, known as sequestration. Congress must find a way to get rid of these cuts and replace it with a commonsense way to deal with our nation's fiscal issues. I look forward to working with Republicans and Democrats to strengthen this bill as it works its way through the Senate and during the Conference Committee to improve the final bill."

IOWA CITY - Teach Children To Save Day Event

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

WHAT Dave will join students from Lemme Elementary School and representatives from MidwestOne Bank to participate in a financial literacy classroom lesson for elementary school children as part of a week-long series of events to teach children the importance of financial literacy

WHERE Lemme Elementary School

3100 E Washington St

NOTE: All media must check in at the front office

TIME 8:45am

DAVENPORT - Tour Davenport Community Health Clinic

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

WHAT Dave will tour the facility and meet with staff to discuss the important role Community Health Centers play in Davenport. He will also discuss legislation that recently was signed into law that will provide more predictability for the centers.

WHERE Davenport Community Health Clinic

Downtown Campus

500 W. River Dr.

TIME 2:00pm

CLINTON - Tour Clinton Community Health Clinic

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

WHAT Dave will tour the location where the new facility is in the process of being built and meet with staff to discuss the import role Community Health Centers play in Clinton. He will also discuss legislation that recently was signed into law that will provide more predictability for the centers.

WHERE Clinton Community Health Clinic

925 S. 4th Street

TIME 3:30pm

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Loebsack pushed for this change to ensure Vets receive care they have earned, regardless of where they live

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today applauded the announcement by the Veterans Administration (VA) that it will change the calculation used to determine the distance between a Veteran's residence and the nearest VA medical facility from a straight line distance to driving distance. The Veterans Choice Program, which was included in the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (VACAA), is a new, temporary benefit that allows eligible Veterans to receive health care in their communities rather than waiting for a VA appointment or traveling to a VA facility. Loebsack has been pushing for this change, which is expected to roughly double the number of eligible Veterans.

"Today's announcement is welcome news for many veterans who live in rural areas and have to drive a long ways to get needed medical attention," said Loebsack. "I heard directly from many veterans about the need for this change during the forums I hosted across Iowa and am glad to see the VA has acted. I strongly believe that there is no greater responsibility we have as a nation than to care for our veterans with the same dignity and honor with which they served."

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