HARRISBURG – Today, the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously approved legislation that would provide higher education benefits to the spouse and/or children of a Pennsylvania National Guard member who commits to serve another six years, according to Senator Mike Regan (R-Cumberland & York), Chairman of the Committee.
Senate Bill 589, sponsored by Senators Regan and Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny), would establish the Military Family Education Program – or “PA GI Bill for Families.” Modeled after the successful National Guard Educational Assistance Program, where new Guard Members receive a five-year higher education upon an initial enlistment of six-years, the GI Bill for Families provides Guard Members that commit to a subsequent six-year term can provide their spouse and/or children with up to a five-year higher education. The family member(s) could go part- or full-time to any institution of higher education; however, they would be limited in receiving the annual tuition rate set by the PA State System of Higher Education.
“I am very pleased to be working with my colleagues in the Senate and House to push this legislation forward,” said Sen. Regan. “It will strengthen our readiness and assist in maintaining the capabilities needed to remain the second largest Guard in the nation. And it will also support our Pennsylvania National Guard families, who are called on to sacrifice when their spouse or parent is training or deployed.”
SB 589 now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
For a link to the video from the meeting, click HERE.
CONTACT: Taylor Wamsher, 717-787-8524, twamsher@pasen.gov