The G.I. Bill was signed into law on June 22, 1944

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - President Franklin Roosevelt signed the G.I. Bill into law on June 22, 1944. It was officially called the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944.

The bill was created to help those returning from the armed services during World War II to adapt to civilian life.

The bill was nicknamed “G.I.” after a name American servicemen got from the “government issue” equipment they received.

President Roosevelt hoped the bill would avoid the nation falling back into a depression.

The American Legion helped lobby for many of the benefits included in the bill.

Returning servicemen received access to unemployment compensation, low-interest home and business loans, and funding for education.

Higher education was expanded due to the number of veterans who opted for college thanks to the G.I. Bill.

Vocational schools also expanded, offering training in agriculture, commerce, mining, and fishing to their curriculum.

Many economists believe the G.I. Bill fueled the development of the American middle class.

The bill has been re-tooled through the years as the needs of the country change. It is often used to recruit today’s all-volunteer armed forces.

The latest version is called the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.