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Legislation to Help Military/Vets Unveiled
Proposals Address Education, Jobs, Tax Relief
HARRISBURG -- The
Legislature is poised to consider a collection of bills providing new benefits
for Pennsylvania’s soldiers and veterans, according to the Senators who
introduced the legislation.
The legislation, unveiled at a Capitol news
conference on Wednesday (September 21), includes a bill by Senator Don White to
extend medical coverage for students called to active duty; a bill by Senator
Bob Robbins to provide tax credits to employers who hire members of the National
Guard or Reserves; and a bill by Senator James Rhoades to exempt military
personnel from some taxes.
Senator White, who serves as Chairman of the Senate
Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, said the legislation is
intended to show Pennsylvania’s deep appreciation for its military personnel and
veterans.
“We are here today to detail legislation that is now
-- or soon will be -- before the General Assembly to help our military personnel
and veterans, as well as their families,” Senator White said. “We are
marshalling our forces and moving several bills intended to help our soldiers
and our veterans by providing for their education and their well being.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Robert C. Jubelirer
said there clearly is a need for action to assist Pennsylvania’s servicemembers.
“They face great risks. They disrupt their family
and professional lives. They deserve not only our moral support in their
mission and our prayers for their safety, but they deserve the tangible support
contained in this legislation,” Senator Jubelirer said.
“In matters of education, in matters of employment,
in matters of tax relief, in matters of insurance coverage, we owe them special
consideration,” Senator Jubelirer continued. “Whether it is providing financial
assistance, or extending timelines for eligibility, the measures described today
constitute a necessary and tangible show of support by Pennsylvania."
Senator White is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill
869, a measure that would extend the period that parents could keep students on
their health insurance policies. Currently, most policies allow parents to
include coverage for their children until age 23 as long as they are full-time
students.
However, some members of our National Guard and Air
Guard are being called out of the classroom to active duty for assignments that
can last a year or longer. That active duty time means that many of those
students will be unable to complete their studies before reaching age 23.
“My legislation would require insurance companies to
allow these families to let the coverage lapse while the young person is on
active duty and have it start back up when the student returns to school with an
extension in coverage equal to that of the term of duty,” Senator White said.
“Families should not be penalized for military service and my bill would ensure
that students can complete their studies without the added worry of losing their
medical coverage. This legislation reaffirms our long-standing and heartfelt
commitment to our veterans.”
Senator Robbins is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill
880, a measure that would provide a one-time $1,000 tax credit for hiring a
member of the National Guard or Reserves, or for each current employee who
re-enlists in the service.
“It is important that we provide for our
citizen-soldiers by working with employers to encourage service in the National
Guard and Reserves,” Senator Robbins said. “Serving in the military requires a
commitment from soldiers, their families and from employers, so it is only
fitting that we reward those businesses that support the troops and their
service to our Commonwealth and our nation.”
Senator Rhoades is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill
871, which would exempt military personnel on duty outside the Commonwealth from
occupational assessment, per capita, poll or other similar taxes.
“This is a matter of fairness,” Senator Rhoades
said. “When our men and women are serving in important operations around the
world, the last thing they should be worrying about is paying these taxes. They
are doing more than their share by serving away from home and family. They
shouldn’t be asked to pay these taxes as well."
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency
Preparedness Committee reported out SB 869 at its Tuesday meeting, along with
measures sponsored by Senator Robert Mellow and Senator Shirley Kitchen that
would provide education assistance and new health care support to service
members.
  D.
White
Jubelirer
Robbins
Rhoades
Speaking
at a press conference in the Capitol, Senator Don White, Chairman of the Senate
Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, unveiled his legislation
to extend health care insurance coverage for students who are called to active
duty military service.
Related Links:
9/21/05 -
Jubelirer on Support for National Guard
9/21/05
- Rhoades Measure Would Exempt Active Military Personnel from Some
School District Taxes
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