FOR RELEASE: February 15, 2002

EVANS INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO ENSURE QUALITY
EDUCATION FOR VETERANS

MEASURE PROVIDES NEEDED INCREASE IN FUNDS FOR
 STATE APPROVING AGENCIES

Washington, DC – Congressman Lane Evans, Senior Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, together with the Committee’s Chairman, Chris Smith, has introduced legislation to increase funding for State Approving Agencies (SAAs).  Through SAAs, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) polices the qualifications of educational institutions that offer courses to veterans under VA education benefits programs, such as the popular Montgomery GI Bill. 

The new legislation, H.R. 3731, would provide an increase of $4 million in additional funds over several years.  Currently funded at $14 million annually, SAAs have recently been given additional responsibilities by Congress.  Additional funds are necessary to perform these new responsibilities and still keep up with current SAA operating costs.  Accordingly, SAAs annual funding level will exceed $18 million by fiscal year 2004 and beyond. 

Since the inception of the original GI Bill program in 1944, SAAs have determined which institutions, training establishments, and programs are considered bona fide.  SAAs act on behalf of the state and the federal government, and provide a major deterrent to fraud and abuse. “Approval and supervision services performed by SAAs have been instrumental in assuring the success of education and training programs for America’s veterans”, said Evans.  “The Committee views SAAs as guardians of quality education programs, and I would fully expect that VA would support the successful continuation of these efforts”.

-30-