|
Robbins Introduces Bill to Protect Benefits of Guard Members
Disabled in Line of Duty
HARRISBURG -- State
Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) introduced legislation today that would preserve
benefits for Pennsylvania's National Guard Members disabled in the line of duty.
Under current law, if a Guard
Member is disabled in the line of duty, and no longer able to perform their
duties in the Guard, they are disqualified from participating in the
Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program, even if they were
taking classes prior to being deployed.
“This legislation will
correct an oversight to the law and will ensure that disabled Guardsmen and
women are provided an opportunity to receive an education and become productive
members of their community,” said Robbins. “It is my pleasure to introduce this
legislation on behalf of the many men and women who are serving in harm's way to
ensure our freedom.”
Robbins said that the
Educational Assistance Program provides a free college education for up to five
years in exchange for six years of service in the Pennsylvania National Guard.
This program has become the Guard's biggest recruitment tool. Under the
National Guard Educational Assistance Program, guard members can attend any
university in Pennsylvania, public or private. However, tuition assistance
cannot exceed tuition charged by State System of Higher Education schools. The
program is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.
Senate Bill 1081 has been introduced and
referred to the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.
The Committee is scheduled to consider the bill on January 24, 2006.
|
