Press Release

REPUBLICANS PLAY POLITICS WITH VETS’ BENEFITS
Alexander, McCain try to ‘one-up’ a bill that guarantees a GI’s education

NASHVILLE – Some Senate Republicans are playing a game of one-upmanship with the GI Bill’s educational benefits for veterans, Senate candidate Mike Padgett said Monday.

“They were called out for not supporting Senator Jim Webb’s bipartisan plan – which would guarantee veterans the college education they deserve,” Padgett said. “Then, and only then, did a group of Republicans, including Senator John McCain and Senator Alexander, slap together a proposal.

“And it falls short of guaranteeing that veterans won’t have to worry about tuition costs if they want a college education after their active-duty service.”

Senator Webb’s plan, co-sponsored by Republican Senator John Warner, would guarantee a veteran full tuition at a public college or university in his or her state following 36 months of active duty. The McCain proposal would pay the same veteran $1,500 a month for tuition – a $400-a-month increase over the current benefit. It would increase to $2,000 a month following 18 years of service.

Padgett did praise the GOP bill’s provision that would allow a veteran to transfer his or her benefits to a spouse or child.

“But why not just get on board with Senator Webb and Senator Warner and work together to come up with what’s best for veterans and their families?

“I am offering Tennessee voters an alternative to this kind of political game-playing with the future of our veterans, our heroes. Stand with me, and I’ll work to solve problems, without the political marksmanship.”

William "Mike" Padgett is former Knox County Clerk and small business owner. He and Patty, his wife of 37 years, have three grown children, Matt, Mark and Sara Beth

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