Sacramento, CA – Assembly Bill 2099, authored by Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D – Oakley), defends veterans educational benefits by providing the necessary oversight and protections for those who have been targeted by for-profit colleges that practice misleading and deceptive recruiting techniques.
“I want to see our veterans thrive when using their educational benefits,” said Assemblymember Frazier. “It is absolutely unacceptable that some schools put more money into recruitment than they put into their curriculum. It is my hope that this legislation will provide a path for our veterans to succeed in their educational aspirations.”
Throughout the nation, for-profit colleges enroll only about 12 percent of college students, but take in 25 percent of the Department of Education’s federal student aid funds, and account for nearly fifty percent of student loan defaults.
“We have seen a number of reports and investigations that have examined the questionable practices and poor educational outcomes of for-profit colleges,” said Assemblymember Frazier. “AB 2099 is intended to set standards and ensure that veterans have a path to success when utilizing their educational benefits.”
In 2012, a report released by the United State Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee found that many for-profit institutions can play an essential role in providing access to higher education. However, many have failed to make the necessary investment in services to help students succeed in school. Resources for students such as tutors, counselors, academic advisors, and job placement staff are critical to their success.
The bill will be heard next in the Senate Appropriations Committee and is supported by the American Legion, AMVETS, California Association of County Veterans Service Officer, California State Commanders Veterans Council, Military Officers Association of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Vietnam Veterans of America.
To contact Assemblymember Jim Frazier please visit his website at http://www.asmdc.org/members/a11/ or call his District Offices at 707-399-3011 or 925-778-5790.
