Veterans Education: Increase in Rates Payable Under the Montgomery GI BillActive Duty

By statute, the monthly rates of basic educational assistance payable to veterans and servicemembers under the Montgomery GI Bill-- Active Duty must be adjusted each fiscal year. In accordance with the statutory formula, the regulations governing rates of basic educational assistance payable under the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty for fiscal year 1997 (October 1, 1996, through September 30, 1997) are changed to show a 2.7% increase in these rates. Furthermore, the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 provides that the lower rate of educational assistance payable to veterans pursuing cooperative training was abolished for most veterans training under the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty effective October 9, 1996. They will be paid at the same rate as those veterans pursuing residence training. The regulations are changed to conform to statutory requirements.