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Robbins' Legislation Protecting Guard Benefits Sent to
Governor
HARRISBURG -- State Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) announced that
the House of Representatives unanimously passed and sent to
the Governor legislation he sponsored that would preserve an
important education benefit for National Guard members
disabled in the line of duty.
"The Educational Assistance Program provides individuals who
enlist in the Pennsylvania National Guard a free college
education," said Sen. Robbins. "In return, they agree to
serve in the Guard for six years. This program is the
Guard's number one recruitment tool and has led to
Pennsylvania having the strongest and one of the most
deployed Guards in the nation. However, if a Guard Member
on active duty becomes disabled and can no longer serve in
the Guard, they are currently disqualified from the
Educational Assistance Program. Senate Bill 1081 would
reverse this policy -- thus ensuring an important education
benefit for these men and women during a time of need."
Since September 11th, 62 Guard members have been discharged
due to medical reasons. Of this, approximately 25 would
still be eligible for the Educational Assistance Program.
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