This week, a bill sponsored by Rep. Eli Crane, the Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act, was signed into law. The legislation will eliminate bureaucratic obstacles for U.S veterans aiming to use their GI benefits to pay for commercial driver’s license (CDL) education programs.
“I’m proud to play a role in expanding opportunities for veterans in rural Arizona,” said Crane. “Expanding the scope of GI education benefits to CDL programs is a way to increase opportunities for those who have put their lives on the line for our country. Bureaucratic obstacles should never inhibit our nation’s veterans from having flexibility in building prosperous lives for themselves.”
Currently, when a trucking school decides to open a new facility at a new location, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and state regulators are required by law to deny the new facility’s ability to receive GI benefits from enrollees who are veterans for two years.
The Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act will exempt these new facilities from this statutory waiting period if the primary training facility has already been approved to receive these benefits by the VA and relevant state agencies.
This will allow veterans more accessibility to CDL schools, reducing commuting times, leading to high-paying careers in the trucking industry.
Under the provisions of this legislation, CDL schools must still comply with state and VA rules regarding curriculum standards to ensure no programs are exploiting veterans or offering fraudulent courses.
The GI Bill – changed my life – A HS Drop out – Married at 17 – came home a combat veteran at 19 – got my HS diploma in the Army – College after discharge. GI Bill Home – started a business after college some years in the work force. Today is 40 years later – 16 employees – able to provide for my family – and some many others – God is my guide to life. Service to the country was my father – grew up in the barrio. Thanks to you all for the opportunity.
Thank you for your lifetime of service!