Funding education for Texas veterans is too high. What is your reaction if the educational benefit is removed from family members?

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 18:16:14 -0400

Is a bird in the hand really worth two in the bush? I am really interested in your feedback as to whether we would be able to accept the tightening of the belt and continue mission with less family opportunities or would it be a deal breaker and you'd have to stand up "to the system"?

The state of Texas expanded the Hazlewood Exemption to include the family members of veterans however, as the article indicates the cost of this "has increased sevenfold since 2009".

I am interested in your feedback once you read the article attached to the link below. I've noticed a few threads indicating the entitlement syndrome within many of our veterans as identified by many (veterans as well as family members) expecting discounts, expecting special treatment and etc. With that consideration, what would be your reaction if there is a change to only cover the veteran and not the family?

http://news.yahoo.com/lawmakers-funding-education-texas-veterans-too-high-161419565.html

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2015 8:19 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 20:19:18 -0400

It seems that everybody has to tighten their budgetary belts, CSM Michael J. Uhlig, including the state of Texas and its Hazelwood benefits for veterans and their families.

I think it's perfectly reasonable for Texas legislators to look for legitimate ways to cut costs. They're not talking about cutting benefits for veterans. Maybe family members. Maybe requiring a particular length of residency before being eligible for the benefit. I think those are perfectly okay when it comes to "veteran" benefits. As the article states, Texas and Illinois are the two most generous states when it comes to veteran education benefits. I see no problem with tightening up the standards - and even cutting out family members - so that Texas veterans can receive the Texas veterans education benefits the state wants to give them.

Response by CSM Michael Lynch made Apr 23 at 2015 11:24 AM

CSM Michael Lynch — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 11:24:56 -0400

Looking form the outside in, I've got to say I see this all as a self-inflicted wound. Their good intentions going bad for lack of analysis on what it may cost them for the future. The disbursement mirrors the GI Bill, yet kicks in after the GI Bill is exhausted, If that is the case what did they gain from the GI Bill? Post 9-11 benefits you can get a Bachelors completed at no cost, transfer to your dependents if YOU decide to for them to use.

I know Texas is very veteran oriented and wants to take care of their veterans and family, but I believe they bit off more than they thought form the onset of the program. I believe if they want to continue it, yes they need to put some limitations on it for veterans and dependents. First they do not need to offer this to either of them, if they want to then look at what the veterans GI Bill went to and adjust what they can use under the Hazelwood act to complete a degree or certification, but not another 4 year degree to go with the one they have.

If you are going to offer it to dependents that is great too, but limit it Hazelwood will pay for 1 or 2 semesters, the veteran or dependent pays for the opposite. This is their way of assigning, thanking and taking care of their veterans Salutes for that generous program.

Myself if I was in TX for this or my state did it and Realized 3 years down the road it was going to cost too much to continue and the needed to end it or lower the benefits, So Be It, it helped while it could but they don't owe me and my family this, it was a hand they wanted to put out there and cost to much, my kids can work and take out grants and loans and figure it out. I hope they keep it for their folks and that veterans and dependents Thank them for what ever they can continue to co0ntribute. Please don't moan about it going away when it was a kind gesture by your state, "it is not an entitlement" JMO

Texas Senate panel OKs education benefit cuts for vets' children

Texas veterans and their children would see their higher education benefits sliced significantly under a plan heading to the Senate floor.