Disabled Veterans and Erased Student Debt

[John Morris]

If we must spend government money, tax payers money, this is one of the areas where it's best spent, paying back those who protect us and keep us safe from the bad actors of the world, and who have paid the price with their body and mind.
A pat on the back where a pat on the back is due, fine job Mr. President.

 

Trump eases student loan forgiveness for disabled veterans - POLITICO

WWW.POLITICO.COM

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“The debt of these disabled veterans will be entirely erased,” Trump said during remarks at a veterans convention in...

 

[hatuffej]

Hello John

Trump didn't do it for vets; he did for his own political standing.

hat

[John Morris]

At this point Hat, I don't care why he did it, it benefits our disabled veteran, that's all I care about.

[Gene Howe]

There has always been a red tape laden process for disabled vets to eliminate educational debts. As I understand it, the president simply cut out all the bureaucratic nonsense. Some state universities already offer free tuition to all vets. I took advantage of that in IL. 

Edited August 22, 2019 by Gene Howe

[Smallpatch]

Jeff,  I enjoy this site being clear of all that arguing for and against what ever anyone's beliefs are.... Please not here.

[John Morris]

I don't know how you can argue veterans getting benefits. Regardless who made it happen. This is a positive thing. Not political. Are we at the point in our society where we can't even mention a good deed by a sitting president without it becoming political? I don't care what party made this happen, I'd be giving Kudos. 

 

After all , this is the "Veterans" forum section.

[hatuffej]

Please recall from my many past posts that I stand strong in recognition for veterans everywhere, more so than most posters here. But not the president or Congress making vets pawns for their own agendas. Want to do something good for vets? Fix the VA and its massive bureaucracy. Better yet, stop sending our people into stupid wars like Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan so they don't become disabled vets.    

[John Morris]

We know your stance on vets Hat. 

I agree with your stance on the wars. But the fact is we have vets who need education assistance and help. Regardless where it comes from, I'm all for it.

 

You'll all see, I don't care who is in office, when a kudo is due, a kudo is given.

 

 

[Al B]

Sorry John,  I think you broke your own rules. Not here.

[DuckSoup]

 I have to agree with others here, I believe we've crossed the line.

[HandyDan]

I remember a time all veterans could go to college free after they served.  Whatever the perceived cons it is still a good deal.

[Larry Buskirk]

It's hard to keep track of what one of them says, he's flip-flopped on so much he's said.

Edited August 22, 2019 by Larry Buskirk

[John Morris]

I'm sorry guys, I don't see how bringing the good news for veterans is breaking the rules. 

This is the Veterans forum where we talk about benefits etc. 

And giving kudos to a sitting president for making it happen should not be a political football. 

I just don't see it the same way. 

Just as I gave kudos to our former president for working for our veterans. 

 

Please someone tell me how I broke the rules. Please point it out, my stubborn head just ain't seeing it.

[Gene Howe]

Any governmental action, by it's very nature, is political. In this case, it's no big deal, poliitically. It is a huge deal for those disabled vets, though. For that, I'm grateful. 

John, bringing it to our attention in the Veterans causes forum crossed no lines of propriety. At any rate, I sure wouldn't lose any sleep over it. 

[Gunny]

20 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

Any governmental action, by it's very nature, is political. In this case, it's no big deal, poliitically. It is a huge deal for those disabled vets, though. For that, I'm grateful. 

I agree, and that is all I am really concerned with.  Regardless of the motivation it is a win for those who have earned it, in this case disabled veterans.

 

 

[Al B]

Definitely a win for veterans. Probably won't change his mind on this. It would be politically disastrous, at least before the elections

[DuckSoup]

 To be clear, no law was enacted.

 

Under the Higher Education Act of 1965, individuals who develop total and permanent disabilities are eligible to have their outstanding federal student loans forgiven.  However, until recently, loan discharges were required to be included in the gross income of a borrower, which could possibly result in significant income tax liability.  This potential tax liability has prevented the Department of Education from automatically discharging loans for individuals that meet the eligibility criteria for loan forgiveness.

 

A bipartisan group of lawmakers in 2018 called for automatic loan forgiveness for disabled borrowers. And in May, the attorneys general of 51 states and territories called on DeVos to stop requiring that disabled veterans fill out that paperwork and instead automatically cancel the debt.

 

An "executive action" was taken to force DeVos to do her job.

 

 

[John Morris]

17 minutes ago, DuckSoup said:

An "executive action" was taken to force DeVos to do her job.

It's about danged time! Thanks for the clarification Duck.