Bill Text: NJ AR136 | 2014-2015 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commemorates 70th anniversary of "The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944."
Sponsorship: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-06-23 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee [AR136 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2014-AR136-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman CHRIS A. BROWN
District 2 (Atlantic)
SYNOPSIS
Commemorates 70th anniversary of "The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution commemorating the 70th anniversary of "The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944."
Whereas, During World War II, the U.S. Department of Labor estimated there would be approximately 15 million unemployed individuals once the war ended, and Congress took action to address this impending social and economic crisis; and
Whereas, "The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944," commonly referred to as the GI Bill of Rights, has been recognized as one of the most significant pieces of veterans' legislation ever passed by the federal government, and it provided veterans with funds to further their education, home loan benefits, unemployment benefits and other benefits; and
Whereas, The GI Bill of Rights provided that veterans could attend college or other education tuition free up to $500 per school year, and it also provided that veterans would have a monthly living allowance during schooling; and
Whereas, Due to the GI Bill of Rights, many veterans who would have entered the job market upon their return from World War II instead decided to further their education; and
Whereas, In 1947, veterans accounted for 49 percent of college admissions, and by the time the GI Bill of Rights ended in 1956, 7.8 million World War II veterans had participated in some kind of education or other training program; and
Whereas, Between the years of 1944 and 1952, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs guaranteed up to 50 percent of 2.4 million home loans taken by veterans for the purchase or construction of homes; and
Whereas, During the years following the signing of the GI Bill of Rights, it is estimated that 20 percent of the homes sold were purchased by veterans; and
Whereas, The GI Bill of Rights provided veterans who were unable to obtain employment upon their return with unemployment benefits for up to one year; and
Whereas, In addition to unemployment benefits, the GI Bill of Rights also provided for job counseling for veterans; and
Whereas, The GI Bill of Rights authorized the construction of additional hospital facilities to be accessible to veterans and strengthened the Veterans Administration to enable it to efficiently discharge its existing and added responsibilities; and
Whereas, The many benefits provided by the GI Bill of Rights helped to expand the country's middle class and had a tremendous economic impact on the United States; and
Whereas, When signing "The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944," President Roosevelt recognized the importance of supporting the members of the armed forces, individuals who made great sacrifices to protect and serve the United States; and
Whereas, June 22, 2014 marks the 70th anniversary of the signing of "The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944," an act which has shaped the lives of countless individuals; and
Whereas, The success of "The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944" has resulted in multiple extensions of the original bill, and the original bill served as the basis for the enactment of additional benefits offered to veterans, including those who recently served in Iraq and Afghanistan; and
Whereas, It is fitting and proper for this House to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the signing of "The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944"; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House commemorates the 70th anniversary of the signing of "The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944."
2. Copies of the resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs and to the Adjutant General of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs.
STATEMENT
This resolution commemorates the 70th anniversary of the signing of "The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944." On June 22, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed "The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944," commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights.
The GI Bill of Rights is widely regarded as one of the most important pieces of veterans' legislation ever passed. Following World War II, millions of veterans were able to further their education and obtain other kinds of training due to the GI Bill of Rights. Additionally, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs guaranteed portions of millions of home loans for veterans in the years after World War II. Moreover, the GI Bill of Rights provided for unemployment benefits and job counseling for veterans to assist them during post-war job search efforts.
The success of the GI Bill of Rights is evident from the many times it has been extended, as well as the expansion of benefits offered to veterans. Veterans, including those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, have received many benefits as a result of this legislation.
The sponsor hopes that the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the GI Bill of Rights is a reminder to all of the importance of continuing to support our veterans following their service to the country.
