Bill Overview
Title: To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend to certain members of the Armed Forces eligibility to transfer unused Post-9/11 educational assistance to family members.
Description: This bill authorizes members of the Armed Forces who served at least 12 years to transfer unused Post-9/11 educational assistance to family members.
Sponsors: Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-20]
Target Audience
Population: Current and former members of the US Armed Forces and their family members
Estimated Size: 2000000
- The bill targets members of the Armed Forces.
- There are over 1.3 million active duty service members in the United States Armed Forces.
- Not all of these service members will have served 12 years, but a significant portion could be eligible.
- Family members of eligible service members will also be impacted as they can receive educational assistance.
- The educational assistance is under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which has broad applicability.
Reasoning
- The target population includes members of the Armed Forces who have served at least 12 years and their family members who may receive the transferred educational benefits.
- Approximately 200,000 to 400,000 service members might qualify to transfer their educational benefits given the eligibility criteria, impacting potentially up to 2 million people including family members if each service member transfers benefits to an average of 5 family members.
- The budget constraints and the broad applicability of the educational program suggest that while a substantial number of people can benefit, the depth of impact could vary significantly based on personal circumstances.
- The policy primarily affects wellbeing through educational attainment, potentially changing the financial situation and perceived future opportunities for families.
- Through ten interviews, we explore varied perspectives, from direct beneficiaries to unaffected individuals, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the policy impact.
Simulated Interviews
Active Duty Navy (San Diego, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a fantastic opportunity for my family.
- I've been worried about how to pay for my kid's college.
- Being able to transfer my GI Bill benefits eases a lot of stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Retired Army (Fayetteville, NC)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Transferring my educational benefits to my spouse is a huge advantage.
- This policy helps veterans continue to support their families.
- It makes retiring feel like less of a financial risk.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
National Guard (Austin, TX)
Age: 39 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a great initiative, especially for my partner who wants to pursue new skills.
- It feels rewarding to see my long service benefit my family directly.
- Educational benefits are a big help to transition civilian life smoothly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Retired Air Force (Boston, MA)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I won't personally benefit now, knowing that future retirees have this option is reassuring.
- The policy helps bridge military families into civilian life with better opportunities.
- It aligns with how veterans should be respected and supported after service.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Healthcare Worker (Seattle, WA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a fantastic policy for those who need it.
- Personally, I don't see it impacting me directly.
- Military families deserve all the support they can get.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Army Spouse (Colorado Springs, CO)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could help me pursue a degree I've wanted for years.
- It represents a real chance for military families to grow.
- I'm grateful for the opportunities the policy opens up.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Marine Corps Member (Houston, TX)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This motivates me to serve longer in order to benefit from the policy.
- It feels like a solid investment in my family's future.
- The policy gives hope for long-term educational planning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Military Contractor (Fort Bragg, NC)
Age: 49 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a beneficial policy for those with dependents.
- I don't have immediate family to transfer benefits to, so I don't see an impact on me.
- It's great to see this initiative for others.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Marine (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a significant boost for my children considering extended education.
- It reduces the financial burden associated with higher education.
- Encourages thoughtful planning and savings for education.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Navy Reservist (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm able to give my partner the chance to further their education.
- This policy acknowledges the family's role in military support.
- Educational opportunities should be an integral part of post-service life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1020000000 (Low: $920000000, High: $1120000000)
Year 2: $1030000000 (Low: $930000000, High: $1130000000)
Year 3: $1040000000 (Low: $940000000, High: $1140000000)
Year 5: $1060000000 (Low: $960000000, High: $1160000000)
Year 10: $1110000000 (Low: $1010000000, High: $1210000000)
Year 100: $1600000000 (Low: $1500000000, High: $1700000000)
Key Considerations
- The policy expands educational benefits, which are likely to positively impact recipient education and economic opportunities.
- Potential challenges include administrative costs and ensuring efficient transfer of benefits.
- The uptake rate among eligible beneficiaries will significantly influence overall costs.