President Bush today signed into law an updated GI Bill that had broad bipartisan support. The new bill provides service members, who served in the military for at least three years, full tuition at any in-state public university along with a monthly housing stipend. The benefits (which are as high as $90,000) can also be used at private schools.

The bill adjusts the benefit scale based on cumulative active service, a move that levels the playing field between active duty, National Guard, and Reserve members. Everyone on active duty will receive the benefit from now on free of charge.  Previously, service members paid $1200 to buy into the benefit. Benefits are also significantly higher, up to $90,000 from $40,000 under the old plan. The bill also allows veterans to transfer education benefits to their spouses or children.

With the rising cost of secondary education,  service to our country is a great way to pay for college and an excellent way for our govenment to reward our brave veterans.