Bill Overview
Title: Informing VETS Act of 2022
Description: of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to regularly promote the Veteran Readiness and Employment program by (1) sending a letter to each veteran entitled to the program that explains the educational benefits of the program, and (2) providing in each letter and online a side-by-side comparison of benefits between the program and Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance.
Sponsors: Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans eligible for education benefits from the VA
Estimated Size: 19000000
- The bill is focused on the Veteran Readiness and Employment program which targets veterans.
- Veterans who are eligible for education benefits would be directly impacted as they would receive more information on their options.
- There are approximately 19 million veterans in the United States.
- It's difficult to estimate exactly how many veterans are eligible or entitled to the specific program without further details, but those who have recently transitioned out of the military would likely be the primary focus.
Reasoning
- The budget constraints limit the scope of outreach, potentially prioritizing recently transitioned veterans or those with immediate educational needs.
- With 19 million veterans in the US, even a sizable budget may not reach all eligible veterans, focusing efforts on the most recent and viable candidates for the program.
- Self-reported wellbeing would vary based on individual circumstances and awareness of existing benefits, suggesting some veterans may not see a significant change.
- Implementation of the policy could improve decision-making capabilities for veterans who were previously unaware or had misconceptions about their benefits.
- The focus on educational benefits under this policy implies a longer-term impact, with immediate changes possibly more apparent in attitudes toward education and planning.
- Cultural considerations indicate that veterans' backgrounds and experiences may influence their receptivity to information on education benefits.
Simulated Interviews
student (San Diego, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I knew about the GI Bill but didn't understand the differences with other programs.
- Getting more detailed information could help me plan better.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
registered nurse (Austin, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've always been aware of my benefits.
- Additional information might be more helpful for those just starting out.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
software developer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm interested in resources that could help my tech career.
- A side-by-side comparison would clarify if returning to school makes sense financially.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
small business owner (Denver, CO)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm settled in my career and don't need additional education.
- The policy seems more relevant to recent veterans.
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 |
unemployed (Jacksonville, FL)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Learning about more benefits could really make a difference in my job prospects.
- I wasn't aware of anything other than the GI Bill.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
retired (New York, NY)
Age: 64 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't see this impacting me as I'm not looking to go back to school.
- The policy might be good for those starting a new career after service.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
entry-level job (Fayetteville, NC)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's confusing to decide which benefits are best for me starting school.
- Receiving clear information would help me make a better decision.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
public sector worker (Boston, MA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been leveraging the GI Bill, but more options would be helpful.
- The comparison might show better alternatives to what I'm using now.
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 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
construction manager (Houston, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm satisfied with my career path and don't need further education.
- This seems beneficial for newer veterans.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
graphic designer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I need clearer guidance to choose the right educational path.
- More exposure to different programs would help me decide wisely.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $5000000)
Year 2: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $5000000)
Year 3: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $5000000)
Year 5: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $5000000)
Year 10: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $5000000)
Year 100: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $5000000)
Key Considerations
- Effectiveness of mailing and online interactions in changing veteran behaviors and maximizing program use.
- Potential undetermined costs in IT for website updates and maintenance of information systems.
- Measuring impact on graduate employment and potential improvements in workforce skills.