HOUSE AND SENATE PASS LEGISLATION INTRODUCED BY REP. BACA TO CREATE NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY

On Tuesday, June 2, 2009, the House of Representatives passed H.J. Res. 40, legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Baca to designate the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day 2009, a day to pay tribute to Native Americans for their many contributions to the United States. On Tuesday, June 9, 2009 the U.S. Senate also passed H.J. Res. 40. The bill now heads to the White House to be signed into law by President Obama.

Click on the video below to watch Congressman Baca speak in support of his legislation, H.J. Res. 40, on the floor of the House of Representatives

INFORMATION ON THE H1N1 FLU

For information on the H1N1 Influenza outbreak, and recommended safety steps you can take to plan and prepare for your family – click on the button below.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR NEW G.I. BENEFITS

Starting May 1, 2009, veterans can begin to apply for a certificate of eligibility for the college benefits included in the New G.I. Bill for the 21st Century that Congress enacted last year. That legislation restored the promise of a full, four-year college education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

Post 9/11 veterans can apply for the new college benefits - which go into effect August 1, 2009 – at the VA website, https://www.gibill.va.gov/.

The measure provides up to four years of education benefits at a college or university for individuals with at least 90 days of active duty service on or after September 11, 2001 who have been honorably discharged from service. The benefits are correlated on a sliding scale to years served and to receive full benefits, you must have served on active duty for three years. This program will pay for:

• tuition and fees of up to the maximum in-state tuition and fees at a public institution in your state;
• a monthly housing allowance at the location of the school, based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents;
• and an annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000.