An interesting press release from the Lamar Alexander people today. The Senator has progressed in his work towards a new GI Bill and one of the most interesting aspects of his new proposal is the ability to transfer the benefit to a loved one. The Army has a small pilot program which does this but Alexander would expand it drastically:

The Enhancement of Recruitment, Retention and Readjustment Through Education Act helps military personnel attend college debt-free and supports military recruitment and retention efforts. In addition, it ensures that Tennessee veterans receive the same level of education funding as veterans in other states and allows them to transfer education benefits to their spouse or children.

The release goes on to state that after at least six years of service, a soldier would be able to transfer half his education benefits to a spouse, children, or both. After twelve years provide up to $72,000 toward a dependent’s education.

What do you think about this proposal? Should servicemen be able to transfer their GI bill to their kids?

ADDENDUM: The Helping Heroes Act, a state level version of the GI Bill using lottery funds, passed through the state House Education committee today after passing the Senate committee earlier this month. While initially a Democratic effort a survey of the co-sponsor list indicates the legislation is now thoroughly bipartisan.