Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) met last week with student veterans at the University of Arizona for a roundtable discussion. During the meeting, veterans told Sinema about the challenges and opportunities they experience pursuing a college degree. Sinema also shared her work to help veterans successfully transition to civilian life and improve veterans’ access to educational benefits.
“Honoring our commitment to Arizona veterans is my highest priority,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “Student veterans know their needs better than anyone, so we’re here today to strengthen what’s working and fix what’s not. We’ll continue working across the aisle to expand opportunity for Arizona veterans with improved education, quality health care, and access to good-paying jobs.”
“Many of us student veterans here at U of A are juggling school with family, work, and other obligations. In meeting with her today, it’s clear Congresswoman Sinema understands the challenges we deal with on a daily basis. We sat down with her and discussed ways we can make education benefits work better for veterans, improve timely access to health care, and how to make the VA more responsive and accountable to veterans’ needs. I am exulted that Congresswoman Sinema has our backs and is focused on getting results for Arizona veterans.” – Mitch Hegerle, Navy Veteran and Student at the University of Arizona
Earlier this year, Sinema helped introduce a new bill to better prepare departing servicemembers to attend college, learn a technical trade, or start a small business. That legislation, the BATTLE for Servicemembers Act, was recently signed into law by the president.
In 2017, Sinema helped expand GI bill benefits for Arizona veterans. She cosponsored the Forever GI Bill, important legislation that allows veterans to use their earned benefits at any point during their lives and makes it easier for veterans to complete STEM and other technical degrees that make them more attractive in today’s workforce. The bill, which was signed into law by the president last year, also increases benefits for Reservists and Guardsmen.
Sinema works across the aisle to deliver solutions that provide Arizona veterans with the care and support they’ve earned. Just this year, she’s worked across the aisle to help: Reduce wait times and improve quality of care at the VA; Improve financial literacy programs for departing servicemembers, ensuring they can successfully transition to civilian life; Prepare the VA to meet the needs of future generations of combat veterans; Expand and expedite care for U.S. Navy ‘Blue Water’ Vietnam veterans; Improve access to mental health services through Veterans Treatment Courts; and Reform hiring practices at the VA to boost accountability and improve care for veterans.
For More Arizona News: WWW.ELSEMANARIOARIZONA.COM
- Luján, HHS Secretary Becerra, and Albuquerque Mayor Keller Visit Albuquerque Sobering Center - April 11, 2024
- Rep. Vasquez Secures Significant Investments to Bring Jobs to the West Side - April 4, 2024
- NHCC Guest-Curated Art Exhibition Examines Influence of Artworks By Incarcerated Artists - April 4, 2024
