This year American legion is sponsoring SB 766, Private postsecondary education, introduced by Senator Susan Eggman (D-Stockton), which would prohibit private postsecondary educational institutions from enrolling California residents if it derived less than 10 percent of its revenues from sources other than federal financial assistance. Senator Eggman’s bill will help protect veterans from dishonest post-secondary institutions.
After making profound sacrifices for their nation, veterans deserve to be able to pursue a college degree using their GI Bill. Well-documented evidence shows that many post-secondary colleges enrich themselves from veterans’ one-time, GI Title 38 benefits through misleading statements, over-charges, and fraudulent misrepresentations.
Federal law allows colleges, including for-profits, to not count the GI Title 38 benefits as federal aid, even though the money comes from federal tax dollars. Taxpayer-funded VA and Defense Department educational benefits were not explicitly included in the 90% cap, creating a loophole that led for-profit schools to target GI Bill beneficiaries. This issue which is known as the 90/10 rule and is used to attack veterans. This is one of the American Legion Nationals top priorities.
Grants
Four new rounds of grants available from the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. This is an extension of the January non-profit and small business state relief package which had the initial first two rounds of grants. If you applied and are on the wait list you are eligible for round 3. Round 4 is only for non-profit cultural institutions (museums and parks only). Round 5 will be for current waitlisted small businesses and non-profits not selected in Rounds 1, 2, or 3 and new applicants. The 6th round will be for current waitlisted small businesses and/or non-profits not selected in Rounds 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 and new applicants. Round 6 date have not been released at this time.
If you have not applied your next opportunity will be round 5, March 25th through March 31st. We have provided links below to a guide on how to apply as well as the press release from the Governor’s office.
Link to the Governor’s press release on the COVID-19 Relief Grant Program: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2021/02/23/governor-newsom-signs-legislative-package-providing-urgent-relief-to-californians-experiencing-pandemic-hardship/
Link to the guide for nonprofits: https://careliefgrant.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/CRG-Nonprofits-Program-and-Application-Guide-Public-Updated-02.09.21.pdf
The importance of Grassroots advocacy to veterans.
Grassroots advocacy is the process of communicating with the general public and asking them to contact their local, state or federal officials regarding a certain issue. In contrast to direct lobbying, grassroots advocacy is often citizen-based activism. A link is provided for you to reach out to your legislator (http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/). One way veterans can take action is by meeting your legislator and creating relationships within your communities.
Legislation is still moving through the process of being vetted by Reeb Government Relations and will be sent out to the legislative commission for support and opposition positions.
Author: Seth Reeb
Seth Reeb of Reeb Government Relations is veterans legislative advocate for the American Legion Department of California and a member of El Dorado Post 119.
