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For Immediate
Release
6/30/06
CONTACT:
PA
Senate Republican Communications
(717) 787-6725
Senate
Approves White's Military Survivors Bill
Provides
Tuition-Free Education for Families, Enhances Insurance Coverage
HARRISBURG -- The
Senate today approved and sent to the Governor Senate Bill 1043, legislation
introduced by Senator Don White, R-41st District and Chairman of the Senate
Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, which would provide
tuition credits to spouses and children of Pennsylvania National Guard members
who die while on active military duty.
SB 1043
was amended by the House of Representatives to include the language of
House Bill 1068 to require the Commonwealth to cover all or a portion of
the life insurance premiums for Pennsylvania National Guard members
called to active duty to serve in a combat zone as well as those killed
in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.
"This
is a solid piece of legislation for Pennsylvanians serving in the
military as well as their families. I am extremely pleased that the
General Assembly acted to provide these important benefits to those
serving and especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the
line of duty," Senator White said.
Currently, only the children of members of the Pennsylvania National
Guard who are killed or die as a result of injuries received while on
State active duty shall be entitled to a 50 percent tuition credit at
all Pennsylvania State-owned colleges or universities or approved trade
schools.
SB 1043
would benefit the spouses of deceased Pennsylvania National Guard
members who are killed while serving on Federal or State active duty.
This legislation will increase the current benefit for children from a
50 percent tuition credit to a 100 percent tuition credit, while
creating a 100 percent tuition credit for spouses to attend any
Pennsylvania State-owned college or university, or approved trade
school.
"We, as
a nation and a Commonwealth, hold our service members and veterans in
high esteem. We especially honor those who have given their lives in
the call of duty. However, we also have a hallowed responsibility to
care for those who are left behind," said Senator White. "This
legislation will not end the pain that comes with the death of a loved
one, but it is a way to help ease the emotional and financial burdens
that families face after a tragic loss."
The new
language amended into SB 1043 by the House amends Title 51 (Military
Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated statutes to:
Increase the maximum coverage amount that may be purchased by
Pennsylvania National Guard members under the voluntary group life
insurance program from $100,000 to $400,000 for a National Guard member
and from $25,000 to $100,000 for a spouse or dependent.
Require
the Commonwealth to make payment to Pennsylvania National Guard members
ordered to federal active duty in a zone of combat, or called to state
active duty in response to a state emergency to cover any portion of a
life insurance premium under the federal "Servicemen's Group Life
Insurance" program (SGLI), that is not otherwise paid for by the federal
government.
In the
case of any Pennsylvania National Guard member killed in line of duty
between September 11, 2001 and the effective date of this act, require
the Commonwealth to pay the designated beneficiary an amount equal to
premiums paid for Servicemen's Group Life Insurance for coverage up to
the maximum allowable amount in effect at the time of death.
It is
essential that we assist our service members where we can and that we
remember that the families of service members also share in those
sacrifices," Senator White said. "This legislation provides important
benefits to the families of Pennsylvanians make the ultimate sacrifice
in the service of our country."
 White
Robbins
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