Oregon Senator Ron Wyden discussed with SOU students issues and legislation that concerns them Thursday.

The primary topic in the Stevenson Union was the proposed G.I. Bill for military veterans.

Student military veterans and faculty were present to discuss concerns of current veteran benefits and the new 21st century G.I. Bill, the "Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act," co-sponsored by Wyden.

"This legislation would correct the inequality between the members of the U.S. military," Wyden said. "Members of the Oregon National Guard and reserves who are deployed overseas would be entitled to the same G.I. benefits as active duty personnel. When the guard and reserves are called to active duty under this legislation, they would then be entitled to the same benefits as active duty personnel."

"Currently, National Guard and reserve personnel are not provided with any benefits upon returning to the U.S.," said Carolyn Shirley, Veterans Resource Center manager at SOU.

"After talking to veterans, the major concern is college tuition and expenditure," Wyden said.

"It is important to update the current G.I. Bill to cover higher education costs for students including tuition, fees, books and living expenses," Shirley said.

"It would be a great bill to help people in the Oregon National Guard," said Blare Newfield, Navy veteran and SOU student.

James Hart, SOU student and National Guard soldier scheduled to deploy in 2009, is concerned the bill won’t pass legislature if other issues are attached.

"Most good bills aren’t passed, and sometimes vetoed, because of useless stuff tacked on," he said.

Wyden also discussed other issues facing military veterans, including compensation for small business owners called to active duty, the importance of the reintegration process for returning combat veterans and having mental and physical health professionals available.

Preceding the talk with military veterans, Wyden spoke with students from the Ethical Thinking for the 21st Century University Seminar class.

The USEM students began the discussion by presenting Wyden with student made voter pamphlets and a video targeted to young voters.

Wyden discussed his push to take Oregon’s vote-by-mail ballot system national.

"I think vote-by-mail is the wave of the future," Wyden said. "It is cheaper, fits into modern lifestyles and allows people to take time and think before voting," he said. Wyden also discussed the responsibilities citizens have to their government.

"After you vote, the process of being a good citizen continues," Wyden said. "Citizens should write letters and go to meetings to let their legislators know what they think," he said.

Wyden holds open meetings in every Oregon county every year.

"Every single person in this state – a little over three million – has a chance to have their voice heard," he said.

Other topics of conversation included educational funding for K-12 and college level students, the price of gasoline and the national debt.

"Wyden’s presence showed students that they can talk with the people they voted for," said Carol Voisin, USEM faculty member.

"You are not taking moral responsibility for your life if you don’t get involved," Voisin said. "Democracy is not a spectator sport. You have to get involved."

Interested persons can learn more about these issues or contact Wyden’s office via his Web site at www.wyden.senate.gov .