or were homeless. The President had been working with the American Council on Education since 1942 to draft some form of assistance legislation for veterans: "But the issue really began to move when it caught the attention of the American Legion, which had enormous political clout" (Kiester, Jr., 1994, p. 138). The American Legion was joined by the Hearst newspapers in generating favorable publicity for the G.I. Bill.
Although the original G.I. Bill provided several benefits, including loan guaranty for a home, farm or business and unemployment pay, the education benefits proved to be the most popular part of the program. Under the education program all veterans who had served 90 days or longer and who had been honorably discharged were eligible. The duration of the benefits depended on the length of service, from one year of full-time education or vocational training for veterans who had served 90 days, up to a maximum of 48 months. The government paid the tuition costs and standard educational fees and provided a tool allowance for veterans training for skilled occupations. It also provided a living allowance. The program was administered by the Veterans Administration (VA).
Hardly anyone was prepared for the overwhelming response to the education benefits of the G.I. Bill. Skeptics of the Bill pointed to the lack of immediate response as an
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