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.

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox
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