U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) announced today the adoption in committee of the Boozman VA Work Study Amendment to H.R. 797, the Baldwin-Boozman Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act.
The amendment passed through the full House Veterans Affairs Committee via voice vote.
The Boozman Amendment provides for a two-year extension of the VA Work Study Allowance Program through the end of FY2009. The program cost is expected range from $800,000 to $1 million and would be paid for by offsets, thereby following the PAYGO rules supported by Boozman at the start of the 110th Congress.
"The Work Study Allowance Program is an important vehicle to help veterans complete their schooling and compete in the job market," Boozman, Ranking Member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, said. "My commitment is to continue focusing on ways we can create employment and educational opportunities for veterans."
The VA work-study allowance is available to Americans training under many programs, such as the Montgomery G.I. Bill (both Active Duty and Selected Reserve), as well as the program for Vocational Training and Rehabilitation for Veterans with Service Connected Disabilities, and several other programs.
H.R. 767, co-sponsored by Boozman and Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), would improve compensation benefits for veterans in certain cases of impairment of vision involving both eyes.