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Robbins Introduces Bill to Provide Loan
Forgiveness
to Nurses at State Veterans' Homes
HARRISBURG -- State
Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) reintroduced legislation today that would provide
loan forgiveness to nurses hired at any of the six state veterans’ homes.
“Currently, state veterans’ homes are having an exceedingly difficult time in
attracting and retaining qualified nurses,” said Senator Robbins. “This
unfortunately leads to positions being unfilled and ultimately may lead to less
than ideal conditions and care for those who so ably served our nation. Unlike
hospitals, veterans’ homes are extremely limited in their recruitment
practices. This legislation -- based on Pennsylvania’s highly successful
National Guard Educational Assistance Program -- would simply give our state
veterans’ homes a competitive recruiting tool.”
Senate Bill 262 would provide newly hired nurses at state veterans’ home with
reimbursement equal to the cost of tuition at the State System of Higher
Education. Nurses, in turn, would be required to work in a state veterans’ home
for at least five years.
There are currently six state veterans’ homes as follows: the Delaware Valley
Veterans Home (Philadelphia), the Gino J. Merli Northeastern Veterans’ Center
(Scranton), the Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home (Hollidaysburg), the Pennsylvania
Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home (Erie), the Southeastern Veterans’ Center (Spring
City), and the Southwestern Veterans’ Center (Pittsburgh).
“The truth is, this is a win-win situation for
nurses and veterans -- as this bill would attract nurses to assist in the
treatment of those who fought for our freedom. In turn, this legislation would
help ensure that veterans be provided with the quality care that they deserve,”
said Sen. Robbins.
Senate Bill 262 has been referred to the Senate
Education Committee for its consideration. This legislation is identical to
Senate Bill 911 that Senator Robbins introduced in the 2003-04 Legislative
Session.
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