Robbins: General Assembly Improves Benefits for Veterans, Guard Members and their Families

Harrisburg – The General Assembly has passed and the Governor has signed into law several measures that significantly upgrade the benefits for veterans, members of the Pennsylvania National Guard and reserves and their families, according to State Senator Bob Robbins (R-50), Vice Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

Act 19 of 2005 allows prisoners of war (POWs) to purchase hunting licenses for $1. Acts 20 and 21 of 2005 allow certain deployed National Guard members and reserves to purchase for $1 hunting and fishing licenses, respectively.
Act 40 of 2005 established a check-off box on state tax returns for donating to the Military Family Relief Assistance Fund. Act 65 of 2005 provides for the administration of the program by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Applicants must show an immediate financial need as a result of the military service of the service member.
Act 59 of 2005 increases the death benefits for personnel who die as a result of performance of state active duty from $50,000 to $100,000, and includes heart attacks as a compensable line of duty death during state active duty.
Act 60 of 2005 prohibits insurance companies from penalizing deployed soldiers who elect to defer their motor vehicle insurance while deployed out of state.
Act 62 of 2005 adds an additional 15 days of annual paid leave for National Guard and reserve members who are employed by the Commonwealth and its instrumentalities, when engaged in training or other military duty under orders by federal or state law.
Act 82 of 2005 extends eligibility requirements for the National Guard Educational Assistance Program for up to one year for members of the Guard who are activated.
Act 83 of 2005 provides that military reservists -- who had their education interrupted because of military duty and are now again enrolled in college -- can continue to use their parents health insurance beyond the maximum age set in their parents' insurance policy.

Sen. Robbins was actively involved with several measures. He was instrumental in ensuring that organizations like the American Red Cross assist in the effective administration of the Military and Family Relief Assistance Fund. Robbins also worked with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency to create a loan forgiveness program for nurses who work at State Veterans Homes. The Senator is also championing legislation which would provide employers with tax credits for employees who enlist or re-enlist in the National Guard or reserves.

"These new laws will not make their jobs any less dangerous, but will provide some practical help as they face their challenges as citizen-soldiers," said Robbins. "As long as our service men and women are in harm's way, I am looking forward to assisting them in any way possible."

CONTACT: Nate Silcox (717) 787-1322

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