Murphy's bill to help veterans return to school

MERIDEN, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut Rep. Chris Murphy is proposing federal legislation that would end a 10-year deadline for veterans seeking education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill.

Under current law, qualified veterans can receive up to 36 months of benefits, which can be used for everything from degree and certificate programs to flight training and correspondence courses. Those benefits, however, expire after 10 years following someone's release from active duty.

Murphy announced Wednesday, at a Meriden senior center, that his "Restore the Promise GI Bill" would eliminate that deadline. It makes veterans who've been released from active duty more than 10 years ago eligible for benefits.

Vietnam veteran George Beebe contacted Murphy after learning he wasn't eligible for the assistance because of the deadline. Beebe served 20 years in the Marines and Army.