Rep. DeSantis: Congress working on 'legislative fix' for veterans affected by ITT Tech closure

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The now shuttered ITT Technical Institute is receiving backlash from students across the country but one group is feeling the loss more than others.

Action News Jax reported Thursday that more than 6,800 GI Bill beneficiaries, including local dad Norman Livingston, were left in limbo when ITT Tech shut down.

“I was basically told from the VA that everything remains the same,” said Livingston.

But because their benefits do not come from the Department of Education, similar “loan forgiveness” relief doesn’t apply to them.

Action News Jax took those concerns to District 6 Republican Ron DeSantis.

“The VA has said there's nothing that they can do because the statute doesn't really give them the ability to do anything so I think that's where Congress needs to come in,” said DeSantis.

According to DeSantis, it’s up to the Legislature to provide relief for thousands of veterans.

“There are good signs in the House right now. I think we have a good chance to do something. The signs so far in the Senate have not been as positive in terms of behind the scenes with the committees,” said DeSantis.

In the meantime, ITT Tech has provided a

where students may be able to continue their education.

“I think most people would agree, ‘Hey, it wasn't the veteran's fault that this happened so they shouldn't be made to be worse off,'" said DeSantis.

DeSantis said he’s hoping the issue will move forward once Congress reconvenes after the election.

Cox Media Group