Chet Edwards For Congress

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Waco Trib: Time for new GI Bill

Waco Tribune
By Perry Jefferies, guest column

FORT HOOD — If you followed the congressional testimony by Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker, you probably noticed that nearly every question and answer began with a paean to the troops and the marvelous job they do every day.

As a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a former member of the Texas National Guard and a U.S. Army retiree, I appreciate those words.

AIR FORCE TIMES: House votes for more family education benefits

By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Feb 7, 2008

The House of Representatives passed a major education bill that includes a promise of in-state tuition for the families of service members, a scholarship program for military families and special centers to help veterans finish college degrees.

The bill, HR 4137, now goes to the Senate, where changes are possible. But its passage by a 354-58 vote on Thursday is just the start of what could be a year of many education initiatives for military families, which have gained the green light after President Bush announced he supports allowing active-duty service members to transfer some of their GI Bill education benefits to their spouse or children.

Feb. 12, 2008
Congress approves Pell Grant limit increase by 2012

Baylor Lariat
By Sommer Ingram | Baylor Lariat reporter

As the costs of higher-level education continue to rise across the country, Congress continues its efforts to make education more affordable for students and their families. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Higher Education Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes the Higher Education Act through fiscal year 2012, increasing the maximum Pell Grant per year to $9,000.

Hillsboro Reporter: Spending Bill Provides For Projects In Hill County

Dec. 30, 2007

An omnibus spending bill was signed by President George W. Bush Wednesday, December 26, aboard Air Force One on his way to Texas.

The $515 billion bill included 8,993 earmarks costing nearly $10 billion, according to the White House.

Included in the earmarks that President Bush chastised congress for are some that will benefit projects in Hill County.

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison secured $140,000 for improvements to the City of Hillsboro’s downtown streetscape.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Waco Trib: Appropriations bill includes $3.3 million for local projects

Waco Tribune
By David Doerr

The $555 billion spending bill President Bush signed as he flew to spend time at the Western White House has provisions that could affect some of his Central Texas neighbors. The appropriations include $3.3 million secured by Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, for projects in McLennan County.

Local earmarks include:

• $1.4 million to remove debris and repair damage to Lake Waco Parks from flooding earlier this year. Edwards said in a press release the repairs should allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to open Airport Park and Airport Beach in 2008.